The Minnesota DFL Code of Conduct Committee is committed to reviewing incident reports fairly, impartially, and consistently.
The committee is not a court, and Code of Conduct proceedings are not judicial trials. Instead, the committee operates under the DFL Constitution and Bylaws, Official Call, Code of Conduct, and adopted Rules of Procedure.
These governing documents establish procedures and safeguards intended to ensure that individuals are treated fairly, that relevant information is considered, and that decisions are based on the evidence and applicable rules.
A fair process does not guarantee a particular outcome. It means everyone involved should be treated with dignity and respect, and the committee must follow its established procedures.
When a matter proceeds through formal review, the committee follows established notification procedures.
The Respondent is provided information about the allegations and an opportunity to respond as required by the applicable rules. Parties receive information about the next steps, including any scheduled hearing.
When a hearing is held, written notice must be provided at least 10 calendar days in advance.
Rules 6(d) and 8(a)
Both Petitioners and Respondents have opportunities to submit relevant documents, statements, and other information for consideration at the applicable stages of the process.
When a hearing is held, the parties must receive a reasonable opportunity to present evidence and testimony.
The Respondent is also permitted to make the final statement during the hearing.
Rules 7(c) and 8(b)
Committee members are responsible for reviewing matters fairly and considering relevant information.
The Rules of Procedure allow parties to raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving Review Board members.
Concerns should identify the member involved and explain the specific circumstances that may affect their impartiality. The committee co-chairs determine whether a conflict exists and whether a member should be replaced.
Rule 7(a)
When determining whether a Code of Conduct violation occurred, the Review Board or Full Committee applies the clear and convincing evidence standard.
The committee must determine whether the evidence establishes both that the alleged incident occurred and that it violated the Code.
The committee’s written findings and conclusions document its determinations under the adopted procedures.
Rules 9(a)–(b)
The Rules of Procedure establish opportunities to seek review or appeal of certain decisions.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include review by a Review Board, the Full Code of Conduct Committee, or an appeal involving the State DFL Chair.
The appropriate procedures and deadlines depend on the type of decision. Review the specific decision notice and applicable rules promptly.
Rules 6(g), 9(d), and 10
Incident reports and related proceedings are confidential under the committee’s rules.
Information may be shared with individuals authorized to receive it under the governing procedures. Participants should follow the confidentiality instructions in their official correspondence.
Confidentiality is intended to protect the integrity of the process and the individuals involved. It does not necessarily mean that information will be known only to the Petitioner, Respondent, and Review Board.
Rules 5, 8, and 11
Fairness is a shared responsibility. Individuals participating in the Code of Conduct process should engage respectfully, provide accurate information, and follow applicable procedures. The guidance below includes both requirements found in the rules and recommended practices for effective participation.
When submitting a report or responding to allegations, provide information that is as accurate, complete, and specific as possible.
Distinguish between what you personally observed, information you received from others, and your own interpretation of events.
At a hearing, individuals are asked to affirm that their presentation is truthful and complete. A person may decline to affirm, but the committee may consider that refusal when weighing their testimony.
All participants should communicate respectfully, even when there are significant disagreements about what occurred.
Disagreement with another participant does not justify harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or other conduct prohibited by the Code.
Review official correspondence carefully and respond to requests for information within the applicable deadlines.
If you have questions about the procedures, need clarification, or anticipate difficulty meeting a deadline, contact the person identified in your case correspondence promptly.
Code of Conduct proceedings are subject to confidentiality requirements. Participants should follow the instructions provided by the committee concerning case documents, correspondence, testimony, and other information.
If you are uncertain about what may be shared, seek clarification rather than assuming the information is public.
Participants should make reasonable efforts to cooperate with applicable procedures, provide relevant information, and communicate honestly.
Participating in good faith does not require agreeing with another person’s account of events or accepting a particular resolution.
As the person submitting the incident report, you should:
Describe the alleged conduct as accurately and specifically as possible.
Identify relevant witnesses and supporting information when available.
Explain any remedy you are requesting.
Respond to appropriate requests for clarification or additional information.
Review committee communications and any applicable appeal procedures.
Submitting a report does not automatically establish that a violation occurred or guarantee a particular remedy.
As the person whose conduct is the subject of the report, you should:
Carefully review the allegations and official correspondence you receive.
Provide your account of relevant events and supporting information.
Identify factual disagreements and any relevant witnesses.
Raise potential conflicts of interest through the established process.
Follow applicable response deadlines and hearing procedures.
Being named in an incident report is not a finding of wrongdoing. The committee is responsible for evaluating the allegations and evidence before reaching a determination.
Code of Conduct proceedings are internal Party proceedings, not court cases.
Although the DFL’s adopted procedures establish important safeguards, they do not automatically provide every procedural protection associated with a judicial proceeding.
For example, the rules do not establish an automatic hearing in every case. They also do not expressly create a universal entitlement to legal representation, cross-examination, or application of the Minnesota Rules of Evidence.
The procedures allow the committee to consider relevant information, manage hearings, issue certain decisions without a contested factual hearing, and determine appropriate next steps.
These distinctions do not lessen the committee’s responsibility to follow its adopted procedures and evaluate matters fairly. Any separate rights or obligations under applicable law would need to be evaluated independently.
The Code of Conduct process exists to help uphold the standards and expectations of the Minnesota DFL.
For Petitioners, that means having concerns considered under the Party’s established procedures.
For Respondents, that means having allegations evaluated fairly, with the opportunities to respond and present information provided by the rules.
For the committee, that means approaching each matter impartially, applying the governing documents consistently, and reaching decisions based on the evidence.
Our commitment is to a process that respects everyone involved while supporting accountability and the health of our Party.
This is a plain-language overview. The official DFL governing documents and applicable case notices control if any summary conflicts with them.