File a Discrimination Complaint
Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy or parental status, genetics, religion, age, political affiliation, disability, or retaliation is prohibited by law.
If you believe you have been discriminated against with respect to applying for or receiving services from DES, you have 180 calendar days from the last act of discrimination to submit a complaint.
Who Can File a Discrimination Complaint with the OEO?
The Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) will address complaints of discrimination if (1) the complaint is based on at least one protected basis covered by law, and (2) you are applying for, receiving, or have been denied benefits or services administered by DES or a DES-approved contractor.
Non-Jurisdictional Complaints
If your complaint is not against DES or a DES-approved contractor, then the OEO is unable to accept your complaint. Your complaint will need to be filed with the appropriate state or federal entity, as follows:
State Level – Arizona Attorney General (AG), Civil Rights Division
Address: 2005 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 542-5025
Arizona Attorney General's website
Federal Level – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Address: 3300 N. Central Avenue, Suite 690, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: (602) 640-5071
TTY: (800) 669-6820
ASL Video Phone: (844) 234-5122
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website
How to 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 you may write or type your own statement. If you do not use the form, make sure that your complaint contains all of the following information:
- Your name, address, and daytime telephone number.
- Name, job title, address, and daytime telephone number of the person(s) you believe discriminated against you.
- Specific facts and details of the discrimination or unequal treatment that you believe occurred.
- Date(s) when the incident(s) occurred.
- Reason(s) you believe the treatment was based on at least one of the following: race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, male vs. female, equal pay), religion, age, disability, genetics, or retaliation.
- Name and daytime telephone number of any witnesses who can provide additional details.
- Name of any federal or state agency where you have filed a complaint about the discrimination.
If you submit a complaint that is missing this information, it may be sent back to you and delay your complaint.
Step 3 - The Investigation Process
Once a complaint is received, it is reviewed by the DES Complaint Coordinator to determine if OEO will investigate the complaint. If so, the complaint is then assigned to an investigator who will conduct a full investigation into the allegations identified in the complaint.
The OEO 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 is confidential and will not be released to any person(s) unless authorized by policy or provision of law.
The individual who submitted the complaint will be notified by the OEO when the investigation has been completed. The notice will include information on how to elevate the complaint to the appropriate federal entity if the individual in unsatisfied with the findings.