Before pursuing an employment discrimination claim in either Federal or State Court in Connecticut, an individual must first address their administrative options by filing a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Connecticut functions as a "deferral state" because the CHRO acts as a certified deferral agency of the EEOC. This means that the CHRO holds a "work-sharing" agreement with the EEOC and is recognized as a Fair Employment Practice Agency (FEPA), allowing both entities to collaborate on processing discrimination claims filed in Connecticut.
Thanks to the work-sharing agreement, the EEOC may accept the CHRO’s determinations on a particular claim, pending a limited review. When deciding where to file, individuals should consider the specifics of their claims and their employer's structure. Given that Connecticut anti-discrimination laws extend to employers with fewer employees and encompass more classes of discrimination than federal laws, some claims are best suited for filing with the CHRO. However, if federal and state discrimination claims are involved, individuals might choose to file with both the CHRO and EEOC.
To streamline the filing process, individuals can either file separate claims with the EEOC and the CHRO or opt to file with one agency and request a "cross-filing" with the other agency under the work-sharing agreement terms. Cross-filing ensures that both agencies properly document the claim and safeguards the complainant's rights. After filing, individuals alleging discrimination have the option to pursue their claim through the CHRO, acquire a release from the CHRO to proceed with a private right of action in Connecticut Superior Court, or obtain a right to sue letter from the EEOC to file a lawsuit in Federal District Court.
Before an employee files a complaint with the CHRO, it is advisable to consult with an attorney. To file a claim, they need to contact the CHRO office responsible for the location where the alleged discrimination occurred. A list of CHRO offices, including contact details, is provided in Appendix A of this publication. For further information on the CHRO, visit www.ct.gov/chro.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding workplace discrimination in Connecticut, 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.
