Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

(800) 669-4000 - ext. (Toll Free)
(800) 669-6820 - ext. (TTY Line)
(844) 234-5122 - ext. (ASL Video Phone for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Callers)

http://www.eeoc.gov

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered.

The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.

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The EEOC has the authority to investigate charges of discrimination against employers who are covered by the law. Our role in an investigation is to fairly and accurately assess the allegations in the charge and then make a finding. If we find that discrimination has occurred, we will try to settle the charge. If we aren't successful, we have the authority to file a lawsuit to protect the rights of individuals and the interests of the public and litigate a small percentage of these cases. When deciding to file a lawsuit, the EEOC considers several factors such as the strength of the evidence, the issues in the case, and the wider impact the lawsuit could have on the EEOC's efforts to combat workplace discrimination.

We also work to prevent discrimination before it occurs through outreach, education, and technical assistance programs.

Here is more information about how to file a charge with the EEOC: Filing A Charge of Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

San Francisco District Office: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that we will make every effort to take your Charge of Discrimination during your visit. In some instances, staff may not be able to conduct a full interview but will instead answer your questions and share key information, including next steps for filing a charge. Individuals who have scheduled in-person appointments through the Public Portal will be seen at the scheduled appointment time. Walk-ins will be seen on a “first come, first served basis,” with those having imminent filing deadlines seen first.