{"id":355642,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/civilrights\/discrimination\/filing-discrimination-charges-with-the-eeoc.html"},"modified":"2023-10-02T08:01:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-02T13:01:35","slug":"filing-discrimination-charges-with-the-eeoc","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/filing-discrimination-charges-with-the-eeoc.html","title":{"rendered":"Filing Discrimination Charges With the EEOC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Filing Discrimination Charges With the EEOC<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/danielle-gilmore-esq\/\">Danielle Gilmore, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/aviana-cooper-esq\/\">Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 02, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>The&nbsp;federal government&nbsp;provides protections against workplace discrimination. If you believe that someone violated your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination.html\">employment rights,<\/a>&nbsp;you may want to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/employment-discrimination-federal-laws.html\">file discrimination charges<\/a>. You can file a \u201cCharge of Discrimination&quot; with the federal agency, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)<\/a>. If you want to protect your identity&nbsp;another individual or entity,&nbsp;such as a labor union,&nbsp;may file the charge on your behalf. The EEOC will contact you and your employer within ten days of filing, and then investigate your account. EEOC investigations take a few months to complete, depending on the complexity of the charge.<\/p>\r\n<p>A&nbsp;charge of discrimination&nbsp;is a signed statement asserting that an entity engaged in employment discrimination. The entity may be one of the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Employer<\/li>\r\n<li>Labor organizer<\/li>\r\n<li>Union<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If the EEOC decides that your employer did violate anti-discrimination laws, it will do one of two things:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Seek a settlement or mediation with the employer<\/li>\r\n<li>Take the case to court<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Even if the agency decides not to sue, it will forward you a &quot;Notice of Right to Sue&quot; regardless of its findings from the investigation. You may only sue your employer in federal court after filing discrimination charges with the EEOC.<\/p>\r\n<p>U.S. citizens employed by a U.S. entity operating abroad can also file discrimination charges. You can file with the EEOC district office closest to the employer&#8217;s U.S. headquarters.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Before Filing Employment Discrimination Charges<\/h2>\r\n<p>Employees or job applicants who wish to file a discrimination charge can visit the EEOC site,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.eeoc.gov<\/a>. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/publicportal.eeoc.gov\/Portal\/Login.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EEOC&#8217;s Public Portal&nbsp;<\/a>allows workers to ask about civil rights violations and possible job discrimination claims. Employees can use the portal to electronically sign and file discrimination charges against their employers.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, the agency does not process discrimination charges online without an online inquiry. After you submit the inquiry, EEOC will interview you. The interview helps determine whether filing charges with the agency is the best course of action. Employees may use the portal to electronically sign and file discrimination charges against their employers, but you can&#8217;t draft and file a charge by yourself or via an attorney.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Information To Give to the Eeoc<\/h2>\r\n<p>In order for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to determine whether the employer discriminated against you, they need specific information. The EEOC will ask for the following when filing your discrimination charges:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Your name, address, and telephone number<\/li>\r\n<li>Your employer&#8217;s name, address and telephone number, employment agency or other entity that allegedly discriminated (and number of employees)<\/li>\r\n<li>Brief description of the alleged discriminatory violation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/what-really-constitutes-harassment-and-what-can-i-do.html\">harassment<\/a>,&nbsp;retaliation, etc.)<\/li>\r\n<li>Date(s) of the alleged violation or violations<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Review the agency&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/federal\/fed_employees\/complaint_overview.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Overview of Federal Sector EEO Complaint Process<\/a>&nbsp;if you are a federal employee or applicant.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How to File Discrimination Charges<\/h2>\r\n<p>You can file discrimination charges with the EEOC through various methods. Choose what works best for you.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Online<\/b>:&nbsp;You can use&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/publicportal.eeoc.gov\/Portal\/Login.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EEOC&#8217;s Public Portal&nbsp;<\/a>to submit an inquiry. Following your EEOC interview, you can file online. The EEOC Public Portal provides special instructions if you have 60 days or less to file.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>In Person at your local EEOC Office<\/b>:&nbsp;You may schedule an in-office appointment via the EEOC Public Portal or you can do a walk-in appointment. First, locate the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/field\/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EEOC field office<\/a>&nbsp;nearest you to file discrimination charges in person. Include any documentation that might help shed some light on your case, such as harassing emails or performance evaluations. It also helps to provide the names and contact information of other individuals who know about the alleged violation. You may bring someone with you to the meeting, including an attorney. Let the field office personnel know beforehand if you need an interpreter or some other special assistance.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>By Telephone<\/b>:&nbsp;The EEOC does not<i>&nbsp;<\/i>accept charges via telephone. You may call them at 1-800-669-4000 and submit basic information. An EEOC rep will ask you questions and explain how to file charges.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>By Mail<\/b>:&nbsp;Provide basic information if you file by mail. This includes demographics and contacts. You will also provide an explanation of why you believe your employer discriminated against you (national origin, race, religion, gender identity, genetic information, etc.) and affix&nbsp;your signature.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Via Fair Employment Practices Agencies<\/b>:&nbsp;The EEOC calls state and local agencies that enforce anti-discrimination laws&nbsp;Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAS). The EEOC and FEPAS agree to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/fair-employment-practices-agencies-fepas-and-dual-filing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dual filing.<\/a>&nbsp;This means that you need to only file with one of these.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>What To Expect After Filing Charges<\/h2>\r\n<p>After you file a discrimination charge, the EEOC notifies the employers within ten days. Many organizations want to resolve the issue through mediation or settlement.<\/p>\r\n<p>As the EEOC begins investigating the claim, they assess whether the charge is eligible for mediation. During the investigation phase, both sides submit information. You can ask questions at this time.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the EEOC finds evidence, they will proceed. They will issue both parties a \u201cLetter of Determination.&quot; The letter encourages the parties to resolve the issue through&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/conciliation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">conciliation<\/a>,&nbsp;an informal process.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Time Limits for Filing Charges<\/h2>\r\n<p>Under federal law, you must file all discrimination charges with the EEOC within 180 days of the alleged violation. If state or local laws also cover the offense, the EEOC extends the filing deadline to 300 days. However, the EEOC will not extend the deadline for age discrimination charges if only a local law prohibits age bias (must be a state law).<\/p>\r\n<p>As a rule of thumb, you should contact the EEOC immediately after you suspect discriminatory acts by your employer. One exception involves charges under the Equal Pay Act, which don&#8217;t require filing EEOC charges before filing a lawsuit.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/equal-pay-and-discrimination-against-women.html\">Equal Pay Act claims<\/a>&nbsp;often raise Title VII&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/sex-gender-discrimination-overview.html\">sex discrimination issues<\/a>&nbsp;as well. Therefore, the EEOC advises such individuals to also file Title VII charges with the agency&nbsp;within the given time limit.<\/p>\r\n<p>Federal employees have a much shorter time limit. They must file discrimination charges within 45 days of the alleged violation.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Talk to an Experienced Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Are you facing employment discrimination? Whether you are dealing with unfair wage issues or a hostile environment, you probably want to hold your employer accountable. If your employer discriminated against you because of your sexual orientation, religion, or any&nbsp;other protected characteristic and you wish to file a discrimination complaint, follow these instructions. If you need additional help or if your situation is very complex, talk to a qualified&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/discrimination\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">discrimination lawyer<\/a>&nbsp;attorney.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Most civil rights cases need the help of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex civil rights cases (such as employment discrimination, racial segregation, or discrimination based on gender) need the support of a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>An attorney can help you enforce your civil rights and other constitutional rights. Many offer free consultations and can offer tailored advice during your court case.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/civil-rights\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview.html\">\n                        Civil Rights Law Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination.html\">\n                        Know Your Civil Rights and Legal Protections\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/enforcing-your-civil-rights\/filing-civil-rights-claims.html\">\n                        Filing Civil Rights Claims\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/discrimination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discrimination Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/civil-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Civil Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sexual-harassment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sexual Harassment Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/same-sex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Same Sex Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/constitutional-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Constitutional Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/education-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Education Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you believe your employee rights have been violated, you can file a claim through the EEOC. Learn about discrimination, conciliation, and much more at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":355611,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2736],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-355642","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-civilrights"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=355642"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355642\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=355642"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=355642"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=355642"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=355642"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=355642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}