Filing a Charge of Race Discrimination

Any person who believes that his or her employment rights were violated (i.e. suffered race discrimination in the workplace) can file a charge of race discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). But if your privacy is a concern, the EEOC allows for an individual, organization, or agency to file a charge on behalf of another person in order to protect the injured person's identity. You can file a charge by mail or in person at the nearest EEOC office. The EEOC office may have a general walk-in time during the week when you can basically walk-in, fill out some paperwork and be intereviewed by a case worker. Otherwise, you can usually call them and schedule an appointment for you to go in and be intereviewed regarding the suspected race discrimination you suffered at the workplace.

According to the EEOC website, you must provide the following information in order to file a charge for race discrimination at the workplace:

• The complaining party's 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); and
• The date(s) of the alleged violation(s).

Time Limits For Filing A Charge Of Race Discrimination:

Because race discrimination law are enforced by the EEOC, before initiating a private lawsuit in federal court, you must file a charge with the EEOC within 180 days from the date of the alleged violation of race discrimination. By filing a charge within the 180-day time limit, you are protecting your rights.

Note, however, that the 180-day filing deadline is extended to 300 days if the charge is also covered by a state or local anti-discrimination law. The EEOC advices people to contact them promptly when you suspect that you suffered race discrimination. Either contact the EEOC or contact a lawyer who specializes in race discrimination law.

Read more: What If My Employer Retaliates?