Freedom of Information Act

Freedom of Information Act Process for Michigan Department of Civil Rights

Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231, et seq., provides all persons (except persons incarcerated in correctional facilities) may receive copies or make inspections of public records (except those otherwise exempted from disclosure under FOIA or another statute) of public bodies upon written request. Requests to receive or inspect such records must sufficiently describe the records they seek to enable the public body to identify and locate the requested records. A public body may charge a fee to cover the cost of processing a FOIA request.

FOIA requests to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) must be in writing and can be sent to its FOIA Office by email, US mail, or fax to:

Email:  MDCR-FOIA @michigan.gov

US Mail:
Michigan Department of Civil Rights
Attn: FOIA Coordinator
3054 W. Grand Boulevard, Suite 3-600
Detroit, MI 48202

Fax:  (313) 456-3721

Please do not submit your request by multiple methods. 

It is highly recommended that all correspondence regarding FOIA requests be sent electronically to MDCR-FOIA @michigan.gov to avoid delay in processing.

Requests must include the following information:

• The Requestor’s complete name
• A valid phone number or electronic mail address
• A mailing address that meets United State Postal Service addressing standards.

Including the specific search terms and date range in the FOIA request will assist MDCR in conducting a search and retrieval of potentially responsive documents and may thereby reduce potential time and costs. 

Submit a FOIA Request

Note: MDCR is in the process of developing an online portal that aims to further streamline MDCR’s FOIA process and enable requestors to use a credit card to pay for any fees associated with the inspection or production of records in compliance with Executive Directive 2022-3.

Onsite Inspection

At this time, MDCR offices are open for onsite record view by appointment only.

For More Information:

View the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231, et seq.

View the MDCR’s written procedures and guidelines.

View the Written public summary of the MDCR's procedures and guidelines.

View the FOIA Frequently Asked Questions.

View the Affidavit of Indigency Form.

Transparency Liaison

In compliance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Directive 2019-11, MDCR has designated Lamont Satchel as the MDCR Transparency Liaison. Pursuant to the directive, the transparency liaison will:

• Assist members of the public seeking a public record from the department or agency in navigating the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act or other law applicable to public records, including by providing educational materials on the website of the department or agency.
• Assist members of the public seeking to participate in a public meeting held by a board or commission within the department or agency in a manner that complies with the Open Meetings Act, including by providing educational materials on the website.
• Make recommendations to the department and agency for compliance with this directive, to reduce costs relating to public records requests, and to encourage greater transparency.
• Advocate for the disclosure of public records quickly and in a cost-efficient manner.
• Advocate for transparency and procedures that encourage public participation in public meetings.
• Consult with the department or agency’s Freedom of Information Act coordinator regarding compliance with this directive and the Freedom of Information Act.
• Recommend changes to the department’s or agency’s procedures and guidelines and written public summary of the procedures and guidelines for the department under section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.234.

If you seek assistance with filing a MDCR FOIA request, navigating the MDCR FOIA process, or participating in a MDCR public meeting, please contact:

Lamont Satchel 
Transparency Liaison
Michigan Department of Civil Rights
3054 W. Grand Boulevard, Suite 3-600
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 456-3700

satchell1@michigan.gov