Last reviewed: June 1, 2026 · Written by James Carter, Consumer Rights Researcher · Independent resource — not a government site
Report discrimination to the EEOC at eeoc.gov or call 1-800-669-4000. You have 180 days (300 in most states) to file. Covers race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information.
Quick answer: Report discrimination to the EEOC at eeoc.gov or call 1-800-669-4000. You must file within 180 days of the discriminatory act (300 days in most states). The EEOC handles complaints based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability, and genetic information.
The EEOC receives over 67,000 discrimination charges every year. Discrimination based on protected characteristics is illegal under federal law in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. This guide covers how to file complaints with the EEOC, HUD, OCR, and state agencies.
Types of Discrimination You Can Report
Federal law protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 and older), disability, and genetic information. Discrimination includes hiring/firing decisions, harassment, unequal pay, retaliation, and denial of reasonable accommodations.
📄 Download Free Discrimination Checklist
Get our step-by-step checklist as a quick reference guide
Get Your Free Checklist →
Where to Report Discrimination
📄 Download Free Discrimination Checklist
Get our step-by-step checklist as a quick reference guide
Get Your Free Checklist →| Type of Discrimination | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Employment discrimination | EEOC | eeoc.gov | 1-800-669-4000 |
| Housing discrimination | HUD Office of Fair Housing | hud.gov | 1-800-669-9777 |
| Education discrimination | Dept of Education OCR | ed.gov/ocr |
| Public accommodation discrimination | DOJ Civil Rights Division | justice.gov/crt |
| Federal employee discrimination | EEOC Federal Sector | eeoc.gov/federal-sector |
| State/local discrimination | State civil rights agency | Varies by state |
How to Report Discrimination Step by Step
- Document every incident in detail. Write down dates, times, locations, what was said or done, who was involved, and the names of any witnesses. Save emails, texts, voicemails, and any written evidence. A detailed timeline is your most powerful evidence.
- Report internally if required. Many employers and schools require you to report discrimination through internal channels first. File a written complaint with HR, your manager, or the Title IX coordinator. Keep copies outside your work/school account.
- Determine the correct agency. Employment discrimination goes to the EEOC. Housing discrimination goes to HUD. Education discrimination goes to the Office for Civil Rights. Public accommodation discrimination (restaurants, stores, etc.) goes to the DOJ.
- File with the EEOC if employment-related. Go to eeoc.gov or call 1-800-669-4000 to start an intake interview. You must file within 180 days of the discriminatory act (300 days in states with their own fair employment agencies). Filing is free.
- File with your state civil rights agency simultaneously. Most states have stronger protections than federal law. The EEOC will often dual-file with your state agency automatically — confirm this when you file.
- Cooperate with the investigation. Provide all requested documents, attend interviews, and respond to inquiries promptly. The EEOC or agency will interview you, the respondent, and any witnesses.
- Consider mediation if offered. Many agencies offer free mediation before investigation. This can resolve cases faster than formal investigations and litigation. However, mediation is voluntary and you can decline.
- Consult a civil rights attorney. If the EEOC issues a Right to Sue letter (meaning they won’t pursue your case), you have 90 days to file a lawsuit. Many civil rights attorneys work on contingency and offer free consultations.
EEOC Filing Deadlines by State
Federal deadline is 180 days from the discriminatory act. States with their own fair employment agencies extend this to 300 days. States with 300-day deadlines include California (DFEH), New York (DHR), Texas (TWC), Florida (FCHR), Illinois (IDHR), and Pennsylvania (PHRC). Do not wait — file as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report Workplace Harassment, How to Report Unfair Treatment at Work, and our Workplace Reporting Hub.