How to Write a Formal EEO Complaint
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) exists to prevent illegal discriminatory practices in the workforce. Employees who believe they have been subjected to discrimination at work, resulting in an adverse action---such as dismissal from employment, an unwarranted demotion or harassment at work---can file a formal complaint with the EEOC, who will then assign an investigator to look into the matter and decide whether to file charges on behalf of the employee.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Write a letter to the attention of your local EEOC field office (see Resources). The letter will serve as your formal complaint and must include several pieces of critical information about the complaint to be accepted.
-
2
Begin the letter by providing your full contact information. You must include your full name, address and telephone number. You can also provide alternate contact numbers and an email address if you prefer.
-
-
3
State the name of your employer, your job title and the location or office you are based at in the second paragraph of the letter. Provide the employer's full address and telephone number, and include the number of employees who work for the company, if you know that information.
-
4
Provide a concise description of the events that you believe were discriminatory in the third paragraph. State the adverse action that occurred---such as you were fired or harassed---and when this event took place.
-
5
Conclude the letter by stating the reasons you believe you were discriminated against. This fifth paragraph should state the protected class you belong to (e.g., you are female, disabled or over 40) and why you feel the discrimination was based upon this reason.
-
6
Sign the letter in ink. If you have an attorney, he can sign the letter on your behalf, but it is not necessary to have legal representation to file your claim.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Don't worry about specific formatting conventions or the type of stationery to use. The EEOC will accept your complaint however it is written, as long as it contains the key information necessary for processing and investigation, and much of the information will be transferred to a claim form at a later date anyway.
Although the letter does not have to be typed, you should at minimum ensure your handwriting is legible so that it can be understood and the investigator can follow-up.
