Important Update on Filing a Charge of Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has temporarily closed all Field Offices for in-person intake interviews, but individuals can still file a Charge of Discrimination.

Today, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sent an email with an important update for individuals who need to file a Charge of Discrimination for workplace discrimination and/or retaliation. The EEOC has suspended in-person intake interviews at all Field Offices and is conducting all intake interviews by telephone. The EEOC’s email states:

Please be advised that due to the current health situation, EEOC’s Field Offices have temporarily stopped conducting in-person intake interviews. If you have previously scheduled in-person intake appointment, your appointment will be changed to a telephone interview. The office will not accept walk-ins at this time.

You are encouraged to visit the EEOC Public Portal (https://publicportal.eeoc.gov/) to schedule an intake appointment by telephone. The system can also be accessed by going directly to our website at www.eeoc.gov.

If you are near a filing deadline (at least 180 days but generally 300 days) please call 1-800-669-4000.

For individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, you can reach EEOC by videophone at 1-844-234-5122. If you have a disability which prevents you from accessing the Public Portal or you otherwise have difficulty with accessing the portal, please call 1-800-669-4000.

Before an individual can file a lawsuit in federal court under any of the federal anti-discrimination laws, the individual must timely file a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC. Individuals who are near a filing deadline may also wish to consult with an employment attorney who can assist in timely filing a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC.