The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) serves as an essential federal agency established by Congress in 1964 to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. With a network of fifty-three field offices, the EEOC’s role includes enforcement, education, and technical assistance, covering all areas of the nation. Employees in Connecticut who wish to file a complaint should reach out to the nearest EEOC field office. Detailed information, including a map of these offices and contact details for the New York office, is provided in Appendix B of this publication. More information about the EEOC and its enforcement laws can be accessed through its official website.
For most federal anti-discrimination laws, excluding the Equal Pay Act, it is necessary to file a complaint with the EEOC before pursuing any private legal action. In cases of alleged discrimination, employees must file their claims within 300 days of the incident. Once a claim is filed, the EEOC will notify the employer within at least ten days. The investigation into the complaint begins thereafter. If the EEOC does not find "reasonable cause" for discrimination, the claim will be dismissed. Claimants need to receive a "notice of the right to sue" from the EEOC to proceed with a lawsuit in federal court. If reasonable cause for discrimination is found, the EEOC will attempt an informal resolution with the employer, which may involve pre-hearing conferences or mediation. Should these attempts fail within thirty days, the EEOC may file a lawsuit against the employer. For cases involving government employers, the Department of Justice will step in to file the lawsuit.
Mediation offers an alternative resolution method for both parties involved. If chosen, you, along with your employer and the mediator, must sign a confidentiality agreement before the mediation session. In instances where mediation does not lead to a resolution, the EEOC will continue the investigation and may decide to proceed with filing a claim in federal court.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about filing workplace discrimination claims with the EEOC, or wish to consult an attorney regarding a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or Jmaya@mayalaw.com to arrange a free initial consultation.
