Filing complaints
TITLE VII
Step 1: File a Complaint
📍 Contact your nearest EEOC field office or call by phone
🔗 Find Your Local EEOC Office
Step 2: Notification & Investigation
EEOC notifies the employer within 10 days
Charges must remain confidential
⚠️ Violation = $1,000 fine or up to 1 year in jail
Step 3: No Cause
If the EEOC finds no reasonable cause, the charge is dismissed.
Step 4: Reasonable Cause Found
If found within 180 days, the EEOC attempts informal resolution via:
🤝 Conference
🤝 Conciliation
🤝 Persuasion
PWFA
🏛️ Michigan-Level (Michigan Residents)
File through the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR):
Steps:
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Create a MI Login account:
🔗 Create MI Account -
Choose a personal account
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Submit a complaint within 180 days of the incident
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Track updates, upload documents, schedule appointments
📖 Full MDCR Instructions
If accepted:
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MDCR seeks voluntary compliance
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If not possible, they will continue to investigate and issue findings
🏛️ Federal-Level (EEOC)
File through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):
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Use the same steps as Title VII
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File online, by phone, or at a local branch
Your claim may be dismissed if:
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The laws do not apply
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You file past the deadline
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EEOC chooses to limit the investigation