Filing a Discrimination Claim Under Federal Law

An employee who believes that they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex and/or national origin must file a charge with the EEOC to begin the claim process under Title VII. The EEOC investigates the charge and attempts to convince the parties to reach a mutually satisfactory settlement. If a settlement is not forthcoming, the EEOC may file a suit in federal district court on the employee’s behalf. More often, however, the EEOC issues the employee a right to sue letter, that advises the employee that they can file a suit in federal district court.

Employees must file a charge with the EEOC within 180 days of the alleged violation. If a