Filing a Charge of Discrimination
Who Can File a Charge of
Discrimination?
Any individual who believes
that his or her rights have been violated may file a
charge of discrimination with the Equal Rights Commission.
How Is a Charge of
Discrimination Filed?
A charge of
employment discrimination may be filed
by mail, on the internet or in person
at
the nearest Commission office. Public
accommodations or housing complaints may be filed in person or by mail. You will
be asked to complete an intake inquiry form. Your complaint will be
assessed, and if it meets the legal requirements, a formal charge will
be drafted for your review and signature.
You must file your
employment or public accommodation complaint within 300 days of the date
of the alleged violation. Housing complaints must be filed within one
year of the alleged violation.
Individuals who need an
accommodation in order to file a charge (e.g., sign
language interpreter, print materials in an accessible format)
should inform the nearest Commission office so appropriate arrangements can
be made.
What Information Must Be
Provided to File a Charge?
-
Your name,
address, and telephone number;
-
The name, address, and
telephone number of the respondent employer, employment agency, or
union that is alleged to have discriminated, and number of employees
(or union members), if known;
-
A short description of the
alleged violation (the event that caused the complaining party to
believe that his or her rights were violated);
-
The date(s) of the alleged
violation(s); and
-
Your date of
birth if you are filing on the basis of age; your race or national
origin if you are filing on the basis of race or national origin.
-
Federal employees or
applicants for federal employment should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at
1-800-669-4000.
Click for Equal Rights Commission On-line Complaint Form
This Complaint Form is for employment-related discrimination
complaints only. For Public Accommodation or Housing
complaints, please contact the Equal Rights Commission.
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