FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the investigative process?
After a complaint is formally filed, it is served on the responding party which is required to respond to the allegations. Once the response is received, documents are reviewed and witnesses are questioned. After a thorough investigation is completed, a determination of reasonable cause or no reasonable cause is made.
Is there a fee for services?
No
Is this a lawsuit?
No. The filing of a discrimination complaint is not a lawsuit but rather an administrative process.
How long does it take to investigate a complaint, and why?
The amount of time required to investigate a complaint depends upon the number of basis, issues, complexity of the issues, participation of the parties, and various additional factors. Each complaint is different and investigated accordingly.
Why is age discrimination based only on 40 years of age and over?
The age requirement of at least 40 years and above is set by state and federal statute.
Do I need an attorney?
No, you are not required to obtain an attorney, but you may do so at any time. If you do obtain an attorney, you must advise the assigned investigator immediately so that OHRC may contact your attorney regarding your complaint.
What will happen after the investigation is completed?
There are several thing that can happen once your investigation is completed depending upon the determination made by OHRC. Examples of things that can happen, but not limited to, are closure, various successful resolutions, possible administrative hearings, and even civil court filings.
What does the Commission do if discrimination is found and what do I get out of it?
If OHRC determines after the investigation that there was reasonable cause to believe that discrimination occurred, the parties are notified and attempts to successfully resolve the complaint are conducted. With employment discrimination complaints, if resolution attempts are unsuccessful, the complaint may be taken to administrative hearing to be presented before an administrative law judge; the complaining party may request his or her federal right to sue; or the complaint may be forwarded to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for possible further processing. In housing discrimination complaints, if resolution attempts are unsuccessful, the complaint may be taken to administrative hearing to be presented before an administrative law judge; or either of the parties may elect to proceed to an appropriate court.
What are the basis in which I can file a discrimination complaint?
OHRC has jurisdiction to investigate employment discrimination complaints on the basis of race; color; sex; religion; national origin; age (40 years and above) disability; and retaliation.
OHRC has jurisdiction to investigate public accommodation complaints on the same basis as employment complaints.
OHRC has jurisdiction to investigate housing discrimination complaints on the basis of race; color; sex; religion; national origin; age (18 years and above); disability; retaliation; and the additional basis of familial status.
OHRC has jurisdiction to process racial profiling complaints based upon race and ethnic status.
What does the OHRC do, and how can you help me?
The OHRC investigates discrimination complaints involving employment, housing, public accommodation. The OHRC also processes racial profiling complaints. OHRC helps by investigating and processing these types of discrimination complaints.
What is the difference between the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?
OHRC is the state agency that has jurisdiction to investigate employment, housing, and public accommodation discrimination complaints. EEOC is the federal agency that investigates employment discrimination complaints. OHRC and EEOC have a Work Sharing Agreement that allows each agency to act as the other’s agent.
Is OHRC my attorney, and do you represent me?
No. The OHRC is a neutral fact finding investigative agency with the responsibility of investigating discrimination complains.
What is the dead line for filing a discrimination complaint?
The filing limit for employment discrimination complaints is within 180 days from the last alleged discriminatory act. The filing limit for public accommodation discrimination complaints is within 180 days from the last alleged discriminatory act. The filing limit for housing discrimination complaints is within 1 year from the last alleged discriminatory act.
How do I get copies of the Oklahoma employment discrimination poster?
You can contact our office and we will be happy to send you copies vie snail mail. You can also download or print: English version or Spanish version.
