Experiencing discrimination based on protected traits in areas like employment, housing, public accommodations, or educational institutions is unlawful in Washington D.C. The District Of Columbia Department Of Human Services, through its Office of Human Rights (OHR), is dedicated to upholding these rights and provides a clear pathway for individuals to file discrimination complaints. If you believe you have faced discrimination, understanding how to file a complaint with the District of Columbia Department of Human Services is your first step towards seeking justice. This guide will walk you through the process of filing a complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights, ensuring your voice is heard and your concerns are addressed by the relevant authorities within the District of Columbia Department of Human Services.
Understanding Your Right to File a Discrimination Complaint in D.C.
The District of Columbia Human Rights Act protects individuals from discrimination based on a comprehensive list of protected traits. These protections extend across various sectors, ensuring fairness and equality for all residents and visitors within Washington D.C. You have the right to file a complaint if you believe you have been discriminated against in:
- Employment: This includes all aspects of employment, from hiring and promotion to termination and workplace conditions.
- Housing: Protection against discrimination in renting, buying, or accessing housing.
- Public Accommodations: Ensuring equal access to businesses and services open to the public, such as restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues.
- Educational Institutions: Guaranteeing non-discriminatory practices in schools, colleges, and universities.
Furthermore, you can file a complaint related to:
- Language Access Services: If a government agency denies you required language access services.
- Fair Criminal Record Screening in Employment: If an employer improperly inquires about your criminal record during the application or interview process.
- Discrimination by Taxi or Vehicle-for-Hire: If you experience discrimination from taxi or ride-sharing services.
How to File a Complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights
The D.C. Office of Human Rights (OHR), operating under the umbrella of the District of Columbia Department of Human Services, makes the complaint filing process accessible and straightforward. To initiate a complaint, you need to complete an intake questionnaire and submit it to OHR.
Completing the Intake Questionnaire
The first step is to select the appropriate intake questionnaire that aligns with the nature of your complaint. OHR provides specific forms tailored to different types of discrimination. You can choose to complete these forms online or use the printable version. Both formats can be submitted electronically by emailing them to [email protected]. It is important to note that simply sending an email without the completed complaint form will not be considered a formal complaint.
Alternative Submission Methods
Besides online submission, you can file your complaint through the following methods:
- In-Person/Mail: Submit your complaint in person or via mail to: 441 4th Street NW, Suite 570N, Washington, DC 20001.
- Fax: Fax your completed form to (202) 727-9589.
Providing Necessary Details
D.C. Regulations mandate that your complaint must include specific information to initiate the intake process. You are required to provide:
- A statement of the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice(s): Clearly describe the discriminatory actions you experienced.
- A statement of the particulars: Provide specific details about the incident(s) of discrimination.
- Date(s) of the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice: Specify when the discrimination occurred.
Providing sufficient detail is crucial. Your description of the discrimination and the date it occurred must be detailed enough for OHR to determine if they have jurisdiction to investigate your complaint. For instance, OHR will assess if the complaint was filed within one year of the discriminatory act, if the act took place within the District of Columbia, and if the allegation falls under the prohibitions of the D.C. Human Rights Act (DCHRA).
Cooperation During the Intake Process
An OHR Intake Officer may request an interview or additional information to ascertain jurisdiction and whether your complaint constitutes a violation of the DCHRA. Full cooperation is mandatory. You must respond truthfully, respectfully, and promptly to all communications and requests for information from OHR staff. Failure to cooperate during the intake process may result in the dismissal of your complaint.
Complaint Forms Under the DC Human Rights Act
OHR provides specific intake forms to streamline the complaint process under the DC Human Rights Act:
Educational Institutions
Use this form to report discrimination in educational settings.
Employment
File this form for employment-related discrimination. Click here for a special notice to employment filers
Housing
Utilize this form for housing discrimination complaints.
Places of Public Accommodation or Government Services
This form is for discrimination in public accommodations or government services.
Complaint Forms Under Additional Laws
Beyond the DC Human Rights Act, OHR also handles complaints under other specific laws:
Care for LGBTQ Seniors and Seniors with HIV Complaint Form
For seniors in long-term care facilities experiencing discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, or other protected characteristics. Learn more about the Care for LGBTQ Seniors and Seniors with HIV Amendment Act of 2020.
Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Complaint Form
For complaints against rental housing providers who improperly inquire about criminal backgrounds. See the Criminal Background and Screening Complaint Form.
Fair Criminal Record Screening for Employment Complaint Form
For complaints against employers who improperly ask about criminal backgrounds. Access the Criminal Background and Screening Complaint Form.
Language Access Public Complaint Form
For complaints related to denial of language access services by public entities.
Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Complaint Form
For employers failing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. Refer to the Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act information page.
Rental Tenant Screening Violations Complaint Form
For housing providers violating tenant screening requirements under the Eviction Record Sealing Authority and Fairness in Renting Amendment Act of 2022.
Taxicab or Vehicle-for-Hire Discrimination Complaints
File complaints against taxi or vehicle-for-hire services for discriminatory practices. See the Taxicab and Vehicle-for-Hire Complaint page.
Unemployed Anti-Discrimination Act Complaint Form
For employers discriminating against unemployed individuals. Visit the Unemployed Anti-Discrimination Act information page.
Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act (UPL) Complaint Form
For private sector employers interfering with UPL benefits or retaliating for UPL leave requests. For D.C. government employees, complaints regarding Paid Family Leave (PFL) should be filed with the D.C. Department of Human Resources (DCHR).
By providing these resources and clear steps, the District of Columbia Department of Human Services empowers individuals to address discrimination effectively. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, take action and file a complaint to protect your rights and contribute to a fairer Washington D.C. community.
Last Updated: August 14, 2024
