Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy or parental status, genetics, religion, age, or disability is prohibited by law.
If you believe you have been discriminated against with respect to applying for or receiving services from DES, you have 60 calendar days from the last act of discrimination to submit a complaint.
You may file a complaint using either the Client Discrimination Complaint (J-020) form or writing or typing your own statement. If you do not use the form, you must ensure that your complaint contains ALL of the following information:
If you submit your complaint with any of this information missing or incomplete, it may be sent back to you or may delay your complaint.
Once a complaint is received, it is reviewed by the DES Complaint Coordinator to determine jurisdiction. The complaint is then assigned to an investigator who will conduct a full investigation into the allegations identified in the complaint.
The Office of Equal Opportunity will work with the appropriate program or administration to obtain information regarding the complaint. The program or administration is advised that no individual shall be retaliated against because he or she has filed a discrimination complaint or participated in any manner in an investigation.
All information received, including results, is confidential and will not be released to any person(s) unless authorized by policy or provision of law.
The person who submitted the complaint will be notified by the Office of Equal Opportunity when the investigation has been completed. The notice will include information to elevate the complaint to the appropriate federal entity if the individual in unsatisfied with the findings.
Connect with Us!
Stay up-to-date with news and updates delivered straight to your inbox
Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a reasonable modification based on language or disability should submit a request as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the modification. The process for requesting a reasonable modification can be found at Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Modification.