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Charge of Discrimination Complaint

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CHARGE OF DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT

Filing Agency:   Charge Number:

Complainant Name:   Telephone:

Complainant Address:

Respondent (Employer/Entity) Name:   Telephone:

Respondent Address:

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Complainant asserts that Respondent is an employer within the meaning of applicable anti-discrimination statutes and regulations, and that Respondent engaged in actions or omissions affecting Complainant's employment; and

WHEREAS, Complainant alleges that Respondent's actions constitute unlawful discrimination on one or more protected bases and that administrative relief and investigative remedy are sought; and

WHEREAS, Complainant seeks formal investigation, conciliation where appropriate, and full relief permitted by law.

NOW, THEREFORE

Complainant hereby charges Respondent with unlawful employment practices and submits the following statements, allegations, and requested relief for administrative review and resolution.

1. JURISDICTION

This charge is filed within the time and procedural limits required by applicable administrative law and statutes. Complainant asserts that this agency has jurisdiction to receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve this charge, and that all conditions precedent to the filing of this charge have been satisfied or waived.

2. PARTIES

Complainant is: employed or affected by Respondent in the capacity indicated above. Respondent employed approximately employees at all relevant times.

3. STATEMENT OF FACTS

Date(s) of alleged discriminatory act(s):   Last date of alleged harm (if different):

4. BASIS OF DISCRIMINATION

Complainant asserts discrimination on one or more of the following protected bases (check all that apply):

              

              

If other, specify:

5. NATURE OF ALLEGED UNLAWFUL PRACTICES

Complainant alleges that Respondent engaged in the following unlawful practices (check all that apply) and provide specifics in the statement above:

        

        

If other, specify:

6. RELIEF REQUESTED

Complainant requests that the agency investigate this charge and seek the following remedies as appropriate to the findings:

        

        

7. INVESTIGATION AND CONCILIATION

Complainant requests that the agency investigate all matters alleged herein and pursue conciliation, mediation, or other administrative remedies where appropriate. Complainant understands that the agency may request additional information, conduct interviews, and request documents from either party as part of the investigatory process.

8. CERTIFICATION

I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction that the facts set forth in this Charge of Discrimination Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Date of filing:

9. NOTICES

10. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVER

This Charge may be amended to add allegations and parties upon leave of the agency. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Charge shall operate as a waiver, except by written instrument signed by the waiving party.

11. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

Governing Law: This Charge shall be governed by the laws and administrative rules applicable to discrimination complaints filed with this agency. Entire Agreement: This document constitutes the entire written charge submitted by Complainant to the agency and supersedes any prior written statements regarding the matters asserted herein. Severability: If any provision of this Charge is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12. INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORIZATION

Complainant authorizes the agency to obtain and review employment records, personnel files, wage and benefit records, calendar entries, electronic communications to the extent permitted, and any other documents necessary to investigate the allegations set forth in this Charge.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Complainant:

By:

Date:

Respondent or Authorized Representative:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Charge of Discrimination Complaint Is

A Charge of Discrimination Complaint is a formal administrative filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a state civil rights agency that alleges unlawful workplace discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Filing a charge triggers an agency intake process, preserves the claimant's administrative remedies, and creates an official record that may be required before a federal lawsuit can proceed following issuance of a Notice of Right to Sue.

Why Filing a Charge Matters

A timely charge preserves legal rights, starts an agency investigation or mediation, documents the factual record, and is typically required before pursuing a civil suit under Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, or comparable state law.

Why Filing a Charge Matters

Who Typically Files or Submits a Charge

Employees, job applicants, former employees, and their authorized representatives commonly file charges to report discrimination and preserve remedies.

  • Current employees alleging discriminatory discipline, termination, or disparate treatment in the workplace
  • Job applicants who believe hiring or screening decisions were based on protected characteristics
  • Authorized representatives or attorneys submitting charges on behalf of claimants during agency intake

State civil rights agencies and counsel often assist with intake, investigative follow-up, and requests for a Notice of Right to Sue.

Primary Roles Associated with a Charge

Complainant

An individual alleging discrimination; provides facts, witness names, and supporting documents during intake and may participate in conciliation or litigation if required.

Agency Intake Specialist

EEOC or state investigator who screens the charge, determines jurisdiction, coordinates mediation or investigation, and issues a Notice of Right to Sue when appropriate.

Core Parts of a Professional Charge of Discrimination Complaint

A clear, well-structured charge states who, what, when, where, and why. Each component helps the agency assess jurisdiction, scope, and potential remedies.

Complainant Info

Full legal name, contact information, and preferred mailing address for agency notifications; accurate identification is needed to link the file to records and counsel.

Respondent Info

Employer or organization name, business address, and any supervisory contacts; precise employer identification avoids delay from misdirected jurisdictional review.

Basis Claimed

State the protected characteristic(s) (for example, race, sex, disability, age) and explain briefly how they relate to the adverse action alleged.

Date(s) of Acts

List specific dates or a date range for the discriminatory act(s); accurate timing is essential for determining statutory filing deadlines.

Detailed Allegations

Concise factual narrative describing each adverse action, locations, people involved, and supporting witnesses or documents to guide the agency investigation.

Remedies Requested

Identify the relief sought (for example, back pay, reinstatement, policy change, compensatory damages) to help agencies assess potential remedies.

Data and Privacy Considerations

Confidentiality: Agency confidentiality rules apply
Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Data at Rest: AES-256 encryption applied
HIPAA Note: PHI requires BAA where applicable
Audit Trail: Time-stamped activity logs retained
Access Controls: Role-based access and MFA recommended

Step-by-Step: Filing a Charge

Follow a clear sequence to preserve rights and prompt agency action.

  • 01
    Gather Facts: Document incidents, witnesses, and dates
  • 02
    Complete Form: Provide complete answers on the charge form
  • 03
    Submit to Agency: File with EEOC or state agency
  • 04
    Participate: Respond to agency requests promptly

Configuring an Online Charge Submission Workflow

Set up online intake to collect required fields, attachments, and signer authentication consistently.

Field Configuration
Form Template Charge of Discrimination template | Required fields enforced
Signer Authentication Email plus optional SMS code | Stronger ID available
Attachments Allowed Yes | Upload supporting documents and witness statements
Notification Routing Assign to intake team | Automatic reminders

Where to File and What Happens Next

Filing routes differ by jurisdiction; choose federal EEOC or the appropriate state civil rights agency based on where the conduct occurred and applicable law.

  • Prepare Charge: Complete facts and compile evidence
  • File with Agency: Submit online, by mail, or in person
  • Agency Review: Intake screening and jurisdictional determination
  • Investigation / Mediation: Investigation, conciliation, or closure

Key Deadlines and Timing Expectations

Meeting statutory and agency deadlines is essential to preserve claims and to maintain investigatory options.

Charge Filing Window:

Typically 180 days; 300 days where state/local law applies

Right to Sue Period:

90 days to file a federal lawsuit after Notice of Right to Sue

Agency Intake Response:

Agency acknowledges receipt and may request additional information

Investigation Length:

Varies widely; months to over a year depending on complexity

Statute of Limitations:

Civil filing deadlines vary after Right to Sue issuance

Typical Case Milestones After Filing a Charge

Charges normally progress through a predictable sequence of milestones from intake to closure or litigation.

01

Intake and Screening

Agency confirms jurisdiction and completeness of the charge

02

Mediation or Conciliation

Agency may offer mediation or attempt conciliation between parties

03

Investigation

Fact-gathering, witness interviews, and document review occur

04

Closure or Right to Sue

Agency dismisses, resolves, or issues Notice of Right to Sue

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing a Charge

  • Failing to record precise dates and sequence of adverse acts, which can compromise deadline calculations and agency analysis
  • Using vague or conclusory language rather than concrete facts, which slows agency screening and may narrow investigatory scope
  • Omitting employer identification details or using incomplete addresses, creating jurisdictional confusion or misdirected agency notices
  • Neglecting to attach or reference key evidence and witness contact details, leading to incomplete investigative leads

Consequences of an Incorrect or Late Charge

Missed Deadline: Loss of legal remedies
Incorrect Respondent: Delayed jurisdictional review
Incomplete Facts: Limited investigation scope
Unsigned Charge: Potential agency rejection
Missing Evidence: Weaker case for relief
Failure to Consent: Unable to pursue e-submission options

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these practices to improve clarity, reduce delays, and strengthen investigatory usefulness.

Document Chronology Clearly
Prepare a concise timeline of incidents with dates, locations, and witnesses to help the agency quickly assess jurisdiction and scope.
Attach Supporting Evidence
Include employment records, emails, performance reviews, and other documents referenced in the charge to reduce follow-up requests.
Use Verifiable Contact Details
Provide a reliable phone number and email; agencies send important notices and requests that may affect deadlines.
Confirm Signature Validity
Sign and date accurately; if filing electronically, ensure the e-signature method meets ESIGN/UETA criteria for intent and attribution.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Charge Workflows

Core capability and pricing differences affect ongoing costs for repeated charge intake and staff workflows; signNow is listed first for direct comparison.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card required Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Charges

Answers to common questions about filing, deadlines, electronic submission, and next steps after a charge is filed.


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