An employment discrimination charge is an administrative complaint alleging unlawful workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Why an employment discrimination charge matters
An employment discrimination charge matters because many workplace discrimination laws require an agency filing before a lawsuit may proceed. The charge can define claims, trigger investigation or mediation, preserve deadlines, and create a record of the alleged conduct.
Deadlines and filing requirements vary by law and jurisdiction.
Where an employment discrimination charge appears
Employment discrimination charges appear before the EEOC, state civil-rights agencies, local human-rights agencies, employer responses, mediation programs, right-to-sue notices, and later court cases.
Practical example
An employee alleges that they were denied promotion because of a protected trait and files a discrimination charge with the appropriate agency before pursuing a lawsuit.
How an employment discrimination charge differs from nearby terms
An employment discrimination charge differs from a lawsuit complaint because it is filed with an administrative agency, not initially as a court pleading. It differs from an internal workplace complaint because it invokes an external legal process.
Related terms
Quick knowledge check
Why can an agency charge matter before an employment lawsuit is filed?