How to Read a Civil Rights Complaint

In the United States, people receive protection under the law from discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, age or gender. When someone believes his fundamental rights have been attacked, a complaint is issued through the Office of Civil Rights or through federal court. Follow these steps to understand how to read a civil rights complaint.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Understand the different uses of the word "complaint." The initial request to investigate a civil rights violation is called a complaint, whether it's a letter with pertinent information or a federal form. In the federal court system, a complaint is a notice of the filing of a civil lawsuit. The civil complaint includes a short statement of the charges in a preliminary statement.
2. Look for the basis of the complaint, which means how someone was discriminated against. The basis should list whether the discrimination was based on race, color, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or because of income received through public assistance programs.
3. See who is involved in the complaint under "Parties." This section lists the complainant and his or her attorney plus a list of defendants (persons charged with violating civil rights). Often civil rights complaints are filed against an agency, such as a school board or housing office.
4. Note that complaints will list the date or dates of the discrimination. This is important in that people are supposed to file initial complaints within 180 days of the incident.
5. Discover the specifics of the complaint under "Issue of your complaint" or "Statement of facts." This is the where what happened is spelled out. People who witnessed violations of civil rights are included. Any evidence of the violation should be listed here.
6. Find out what action the complainant requests. An agency complaint will list what the institution should do because of the complaint. In a court case, requested responses are located in "Request for Relief." For example, a complainant may request admission to a program previously denied, or he or she may ask for monetary damages.
7. Look at the bottom of the complaint for signatures. All civil rights complaints must include signatures from the person issuing the complaint or an attorney.

Tips & Warnings

• Civil rights complaints can be complicated. Once a complaint goes to federal court, it can be thrown out on technicalities. Anyone involved in a civil rights matter should request the services of an attorney experienced in civil rights.