How to File Discrimination Complaint in Arizona

Quick Answer: File workplace discrimination complaints in Arizona with the EEOC within 300 days of the discriminatory act. Arizona's civil rights enforcement primarily operates through federal EEOC rather than a separate state agency. You can also file directly in court after EEOC.

Know your options for filing discrimination complaints.

Filing Options

EEOC (Primary Option)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:

• Phone: 602-640-5000
• 300-day deadline
• Covers Title VII, ADA, ADEA
• Free to file

Arizona Attorney General

Civil Rights Division:

• Phone: 602-542-5025
• ACRA enforcement
• Limited resources
• Often refers to EEOC

Direct to Court

After EEOC:

• Receive right to sue letter
• File in federal court
• 90 days after letter

EEOC Process

Step 1: File Charge

Submit charge:

• Online at www.eeoc.gov
• In person at Phoenix office
• Within 300 days

Step 2: Investigation

EEOC will:

• Notify employer
• Gather information
• Interview witnesses
• Make determination

Step 3: Resolution

Options include:

• Mediation
• Settlement
• Dismissal
• Right to sue letter

What to Include

Basic Information

Provide:

• Your contact info
• Employer information
• Job title and dates
• Protected class

Description

Explain:

• What happened
• When it happened
• Who was involved
• Why it's discrimination

EEOC Office

Phoenix District Office

Location:

• 3300 N. Central Avenue, Suite 690
• Phoenix, AZ 85012
• Phone: 602-640-5000

Services

Provides:

• Charge filing
• Mediation
• Investigation
• Outreach and education

Timing Considerations

300-Day Deadline

File within:

• 300 days of discriminatory act
• Each act may be separate
• Don't delay

After EEOC

Right to sue:

• Request after 180 days
• Automatically issued if dismissed
• 90 days to file in court

Mediation

EEOC Mediation

Voluntary process:

• Free service
• Neutral mediator
• Confidential
• Often resolves cases

Benefits

Consider because:

• Faster resolution
• Less adversarial
• No admission of liability
• Preserves relationships

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Race Discrimination

Situation: Believe fired due to race.

Process: File EEOC charge within 300 days. EEOC investigates.

Scenario 2: Sexual Harassment

Situation: Experienced ongoing harassment.

Process: File EEOC charge. May request mediation. Investigation if needed.

Scenario 3: Disability Accommodation Denied

Situation: Requested accommodation, denied and fired.

Process: File ADA charge with EEOC. Document accommodation request.

After Filing

Cooperation

You should:

• Respond to EEOC requests
• Provide documents
• Be available for interviews
• Update contact information

Timeline

Expect:

• Investigation: 6-12 months
• Longer for complex cases
• Mediation may be faster

Right to Sue

When Issued

Receive letter when:

• After 180 days (on request)
• EEOC dismisses
• EEOC finds no cause
• EEOC closes investigation

After Letter

90-day deadline:

• Must file court case within 90 days
• Strict deadline
• Cannot be extended

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I file in Arizona?

Primarily with EEOC Phoenix District Office. 300-day deadline.

Do I need a lawyer?

Not required for EEOC, but helpful for complex cases.

How long does it take?

EEOC investigation: 6-12 months typically. Mediation may be faster.

What employers are covered?

15+ employees for Title VII/ADA. 20+ for ADEA.

Related Topics

• Arizona Workplace Discrimination
• Arizona Sexual Harassment
• Arizona Employment Law Hub

Take Action

To file discrimination complaint:

1. Calculate 300-day deadline
2. Gather documentation
3. Contact EEOC
4. File charge online or in person
5. Consider attorney consultation

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about filing discrimination complaints in Arizona and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Arizona employment attorney.

For official information:

• EEOC Phoenix: https://www.eeoc.gov | 602-640-5000
• AZ AG Civil Rights: 602-542-5025