R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-9.1-4
The Rhode Island commission for human rights is empowered and directed, as hereinafter provided, to prevent any person from violating any of the provisions of this chapter; provided, that before instituting a formal hearing, it shall attempt by informal methods of conference, persuasion, and conciliation, to induce compliance with those sections. Upon the commission's own initiative, or whenever an aggrieved individual or an organization chartered for the purpose of combating discrimination or of safeguarding civil liberties or rights of persons with disabilities, such individual or organization being hereinafter referred to as "the complainant," makes a charge to the commission that any person, agency, bureau, corporation, or association, hereinafter referred to as "the respondent," has violated, or is violating, any of the provisions of this chapter, the commission may proceed in the same manner and with the same powers as provided in §§ 28-5-16 - 28-5-27, and the provisions of §§ 28-5-13 and 28-5-16 - 28-5-36, as to the powers, duties, and rights of the commission, its members, hearing examiners, the complainant, respondent, interviewer, and the court shall apply in any proceedings under this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-9.1-4