How does one file a civil rights complaint?

Filing a civil rights complaint is a serious step and should be done with caution. In Texas, individuals who wish to file a civil rights complaint must do so with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ enforces several civil rights laws, including those protecting individuals from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, age, and genetic information. Depending on the type of complaint, individuals may also be able to file a complaint with state or local government agencies. If filing a complaint with the DOJ, individuals must submit an electronic or paper Complaint Form or request assistance from one of the DOJ’s investigative offices. Those requesting assistance should provide information about the alleged violation, such as the type of discrimination, the alleged victim(s), the alleged perpetrator(s), and a description of the event. The complaints must be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. After the complaint has been filed, an investigator will collect evidence and contact the parties involved. The investigation itself can take several weeks or months to complete. Individuals may be asked to provide further information or documents in order to make a determination. Ultimately, the investigator will determine if the complaint has merit. If the complaint does have merit, the investigator will seek to resolve the issue through negotiations or other legal actions. In some cases, filing a complaint can be a daunting task. Individuals should be aware of their rights and may want to consult an attorney before filing a complaint. Additionally, the DOJ has resources available to help individuals understand the process and answer any question they may have.

How does one file a civil rights complaint?

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