File a Discrimination Complaint

Step 1 - Tell Us About Your Discrimination 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:

• Name, address, and daytime telephone number of the complainant.
• Name, job title, address, and daytime telephone number of the specific respondent against whom the allegations are made.
• The alleged discrimination or unequal treatment that has occurred. The client must specific that the treatment was based on at least one of the following: race, color, national origin, religion, sex/pregnancy/sexual harassment, age, disability, genetics, or retaliation.
• Specific facts regarding the alleged act.
• Date or dates when the alleged act occurred.
• Full name and daytime telephone number of any other person who was present, who may have direct knowledge of the act, or who should otherwise be interviewed during OEO’s investigation.
• Any concurrent or prior filing of a related complaint with a federal or other agency.

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.

Download Client Discrimination Complaint

Step 2 - Send Us Your Discrimination Complaint

You may submit your completed Discrimination Complaint to the Office of Equal Opportunity by mail, fax, or email.

By Mail:

Office of Equal Opportunity
P. O. Box 6123
Mail Drop 1119
Phoenix, AZ 85005-6123

By Fax:

(602) 364-3982

By Email:

Office of Equal Opportunity

Step 3 - The Investigation Process

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.