Additional Government Resources
Federal
The federal agency enforcing Title VII protections is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. EEOC charges should be filed within 180 or 300 calendar days, depending on the state in which the discrimination occurred. You must file a claim in the regional office closest to where you live. All of the information is available at eeoc.gov/employees/charge.cfm. You must file a charge with the EEOC prior to initiating a federal court action alleging a Title VII violation.
California
The California agency responsible for investigating and resolving violations of California’s prohibition of workplace discrimination and harassment is the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Generally, you must file a claim with the DFEH within one year of the actionable behavior. Here is link for filing a claim dfeh.ca.gov/Employment. Again, an employee must file an agency claim prior to seeking resolution through the California state courts.
New York State
For a violation of New York State human rights law, you may file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights. You must do so within one year of the allegedly discriminatory act. You file with the regional office closest to you: dhr.ny.gov/complaint.
Unlike federal law, you can file a complaint in New York State court immediately (without going to the NYS Division of Human Rights) and must do so within three years. However, you cannot both file a complaint with the state agency and sue in court. You can only do one or the other.
New York City
For a violation of New York City Human Rights Law, you may file a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights within one year of the discriminatory act. nyc.gov/site/cchr/enforcement/steps-in-the-complaint-process.page. Similar to a claim under New York State Human Rights law, you may also file a complaint in court immediately. Just as for New York State law, you cannot both file a complaint with the city agency and sue in court. You can only do one or the other.
If you reside outside of these jurisdictions, please contact the office for assistance in locating the appropriate government agency.
Email: AskARep@editorsguild.com.