Report discrimination to a local Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA). If the discrimination breaks both a state and federal law, the FEPA will also send your complaint to the EEOC. Use the EEOC's directory of field offices to find the FEPA near you.
How does a person file a complaint of employment discrimination? Online by creating an account and using our interactive California Civil Rights System, CCRS. Call the Contact Center at 800-884-1684 (voice). Print and fill out a hard copy of the Intake Form that matches your issue and send it.
If you sue your employer, it won't be enough for you to prove that your employer made the wrong decision, or even that your employer was a no-goodnik. If you don't have a valid legal claim against your employer, then you will ultimately lose your case. One big reason to think twice before you sue.
The answer depends on your claims and willingness to pursue litigation. If your claims are strong and you are invested in the litigation process, it can be very “worth it” to feel you are standing up for accountability, getting compensation for your injuries, and incentivizing the company to change its ways.
The chances of winning your discrimination case can vary dramatically depending on the particular circumstances you face. When a lot of evidence has accumulated against your employer, such as emails and history of discriminatory remarks in front of multiple witnesses, your chances of winning a lawsuit are higher.
Evidence takes several forms. It includes your testimony, which is the very first evidence gathered by EEOC. It also includes written materials such as evaluations, notes by your employer, letters, memos, and the like. You will be asked to provide any documents you may have that relate to your case.
1. Quick and Low-Stress. In our experience, most employers and employees prefer to settle discrimination cases out of court instead of going to trial. This is because settlement negotiations are usually faster and less stressful than litigation.
You might notice that members of one racial group receive more rewards for the same work or less punishment for the same misconduct. This is illegal, disparate treatment. You prove this discrimination by showing that similarly situated employees of different races are not receiving the same treatment at work.
Evidence takes several forms. It includes your testimony, which is the very first evidence gathered by EEOC. It also includes written materials such as evaluations, notes by your employer, letters, memos, and the like. You will be asked to provide any documents you may have that relate to your case.