District residents and employees who believe that they are being or have been discriminated against can now file information on their alleged case through the internet. Since October 1, 2007, the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR), in partnership with the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) has expanded its online services to enable people to submit information by visiting www.ohr.dc.gov and clicking the link “investigations and discrimination complaints.”
Constituents may now fill out electronic questionnaires depending on where and how the alleged discrimination occurred. These questionnaires include incidents in employment, housing, educational institutions and places of public accommodations, such as restaurants, insurance companies and other establishments. People can either submit the information online or print it and bring it to OHR. Upon careful review of the information submitted, OHR will contact complainants for an intake interview. This is the first time that OHR will provide online filing on its website, which will result in more expeditious and convenient process for complainants. DC Government employees must first file a complaint with an EEO Counselor at any DC Government agency. If the case is not resolved within 21 days, they may then proceed to file at OHR.
People who are limited in the English language can also file online complaints of violation to the District’s Language Access Act. Online forms are available in English and Spanish, and will soon be available in other languages. The OHR website also features a more detailed and descriptive explanation of the filing process.
The DC Office of Human Rights is an agency of the District of Columbia government that seeks to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity, and protect human rights in the city. The Office enforces the DC Human Rights Act of 1977 and other laws and policies on nondiscrimination. The Office is also the advocate for the practice of good human relations and mutual understanding among the various racial ethnic and religious groups in the District of Columbia.