South Dakota law

Civil Rights Laws in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Human Relations Act (SDCL Chapter 20-13) is South Dakota's principal civil-rights statute, administered by the SD Division of Human Rights (within the Department of Labor and Regulation). SDHRA covers employment, housing, and public accommodations. South Dakota has NOT added sexual orientation or gender identity as explicit protected classes under state law. Federal claims under § 1983, Title VII, ADA, and the Fair Housing Act remain available.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

180 days (SD DHR); 300 days (EEOC)SDCL § 20-13-31

Discrimination charges must be filed with SD Division of Human Rights within 180 days (or 300 days if dual-filed with EEOC).

State law

Key South Dakota Statutes

South Dakota Human Relations ActSDCL Chapter 20-13

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, and (for housing) familial status. Applies to employers with 1+ employees (broader than Title VII).

No Explicit SOGI ProtectionCompare Title VII post-Bostock

South Dakota has NOT added sexual orientation or gender identity as explicit protected classes under the SDHRA. Federal Title VII sex discrimination (as extended in Bostock v. Clayton County, 2020) provides federal protection.

SD Division of Human RightsSDCL § 20-13-3

Administers the SDHRA. Investigates complaints and may initiate administrative proceedings.

State law

Official Sources

SD Division of Human Rights U.S. EEOC

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.

Next step

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

If you want help applying this information to your situation, start with guided help or browse attorneys for this issue in South Dakota.

Get guided help Browse Civil Rights attorneys

Civil Rights Laws in South Dakota.

Statute of Limitations

Key South Dakota Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

Other state law topics.