FLINT, Mich. — The Michigan Civil Rights Commission is holding its first public hearing into whether Flint residents faced discrimination or racial bias during the switch to the Flint River for drinking water and the subsequent lead contamination.

Residents have begun to testify at Thursday's hearing. Representatives from state agencies also have been invited.

Flint is under a state of emergency after lead from old pipes leached into the water supply because of improper treatment. Some residents in the largely minority city say the contamination wouldn't have occurred in a wealthy, predominantly white city.

The commission, which investigates civil rights complaints, decided in January to hold hearings. If it finds violations it can order the violator to stop and take corrective action. That order can be appealed to circuit court.