How to File an OCRC Discrimination Complaint in Ohio

Quick Answer: To file a discrimination complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), you have 2 years from the discriminatory act—much longer than federal deadlines. File online, by mail, in person, or by phone. OCRC covers employers with 4+ employees. The process includes intake, investigation, possible mediation, and determination. Main phone: 614-466-5928 or toll-free 1-888-278-7101.

Ohio gives you more time to file than federal law.

OCRC Overview

What Is OCRC

Ohio Civil Rights Commission:

• State agency enforcing OCRA
• Investigates discrimination
• Employment, housing, public accommodations
• Free complaint process

OCRC Offices

Headquarters - Columbus:

• Rhodes State Office Tower
• 30 E. Broad Street, 5th Floor
• Columbus, OH 43215
• Phone: 614-466-5928

Regional Offices:

• Cleveland
• Akron
• Cincinnati
• Toledo
• Dayton

Before You File

2-Year Deadline

Key advantage:

• 2 years from discriminatory act
• Much longer than federal (180-300 days)
• Still file promptly
• Evidence fresher sooner

Gather Documentation

Collect before filing:

• Employment records
• Pay stubs
• Performance reviews
• Emails and texts
• Witness names
• Timeline of events

Filing Options

Online Filing

Preferred method:

• Visit crc.ohio.gov
• Complete online intake
• Available 24/7
• Track case online

By Phone

Call OCRC:

• 614-466-5928
• Toll-free: 1-888-278-7101
• Staff will assist
• Schedule appointment

In Person

Visit OCRC office:

• Headquarters or regional office
• Appointment recommended
• Bring documentation

By Mail

Send to: Ohio Civil Rights Commission 30 E. Broad Street, 5th Floor Columbus, OH 43215

What to Include

Required Information

Your complaint needs:

Your Information:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone
• Email

Employer Information:

• Company name
• Address
• Phone
• Number of employees

Complaint Details:

• Protected class
• What happened
• When it happened
• Who was involved
• Witnesses

Protected Classes

Select which applies:

• Race/color
• National origin/ancestry
• Religion
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Age (40+)
• Disability
• Military status

Describing Discrimination

Be specific:

• Exact incidents
• Dates
• People involved
• What was said or done
• How you were harmed

Dual Filing with EEOC

Work-Sharing Agreement

OCRC and EEOC:

• Can share complaints
• Filing with one may count for both
• Different deadlines apply
• Preserves federal options

Why Dual File

Benefits:

• Preserves federal claims
• Different remedies
• Strategic flexibility
• But watch federal deadline (shorter)

After You File

Case Assignment

OCRC will:

• Assign case number
• Assign investigator
• Send acknowledgment
• Notify employer

Employer Response

Respondent must:

• Provide position statement
• Submit documents
• Respond to allegations

Investigation

OCRC will:

• Review evidence
• Interview parties
• Interview witnesses
• Gather documents

Mediation Option

Voluntary Process

OCRC offers mediation:

• Neutral mediator
• Confidential
• Can resolve quickly
• Both parties must agree

Benefits

Advantages:

• Faster resolution
• Less adversarial
• More control
• Creative solutions

OCRC Determination

Probable Cause

If evidence supports claim:

• Probable cause finding
• Moves to conciliation
• Or public hearing

No Probable Cause

If insufficient evidence:

• Dismissal
• Can appeal
• Can still file court lawsuit

Administrative Closure

May close for:

• Settlement
• Lack of jurisdiction
• Withdrawal

Going to Court

After OCRC

Can file lawsuit:

• In state court
• After OCRC process
• 90 days after right to sue

Direct Filing

Ohio allows:

• Filing directly in court
• Without OCRC first
• Within statute of limitations

Timeline Expectations

Typical Process

General timeframes:

• Filing: Day 1
• Employer response: 30 days
• Investigation: Several months
• Mediation: If parties agree
• Determination: After investigation

Factors Affecting Timeline

Process may vary:

• Case complexity
• Cooperation of parties
• Evidence availability

Tips for Success

Be Thorough

In your complaint:

• Include all incidents
• Provide specific dates
• Name witnesses
• Explain impact

Stay Responsive

During process:

• Answer OCRC inquiries
• Update contact info
• Meet deadlines
• Attend appointments

Document Everything

Keep records of:

• All communications
• Evidence gathered
• Timeline updates

Common Mistakes

Waiting Too Long

Even with 2 years:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• File sooner

Vague Complaints

Be specific:

• Exact incidents
• Specific dates
• Named individuals

Not Following Up

Stay engaged:

• Respond to requests
• Check status
• Attend meetings

Retaliation Protection

It's Illegal

Employer cannot:

• Fire you for filing
• Demote or discipline
• Retaliate in any way

If Retaliated Against

Options:

• Add retaliation to complaint
• File separate complaint
• Report immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file without an attorney. Consider one for complex cases.

How long do I have to file?

2 years from the discriminatory act—much longer than federal deadlines.

Does filing cost money?

No. Filing with OCRC is free.

Will employer know I filed?

Yes. OCRC notifies employer for response.

Can I file directly in court?

Yes. Ohio allows court filing without OCRC first.

What if I miss the federal deadline?

OCRC's 2-year deadline may still allow state claim.

Related Topics

• Ohio Civil Rights Act Guide
• Ohio Workplace Discrimination
• Ohio Workplace Retaliation
• Ohio Employment Law Hub

Take Action

To file an OCRC complaint:

1. Gather documentation
2. Note your 2-year deadline
3. File online at crc.ohio.gov
4. Consider dual filing with EEOC (watch shorter deadline)
5. Keep copies of everything
6. Respond promptly to OCRC
7. Consider mediation

Ohio's longer deadline helps, but act promptly.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about filing OCRC complaints and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice about your specific circumstances, consult a licensed Ohio employment attorney.

For official information:

• Ohio Civil Rights Commission: https://crc.ohio.gov | 614-466-5928
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: https://www.eeoc.gov | 1-800-669-4000