*NEW* COVID-19 Response: OHR Public Notice of Emergency Rule Revisions

Along with the rest of District government, the Office of Human Rights (OHR) remains open. Beginning Wednesday, March 18, OHR will offer virtual services to the public through the duration of the District’s state of emergency. 

What else are we offering to meet your needs? 

• Discrimination Complaint Filing: Starting March 18 until further notice, discrimination complaint questionnaires may only be submitted to OHR via postal mail, online questionnaire via the OHR website, fax or scanned and emailed to [email protected]. OHR will temporarily suspend in-person filings. 

• Filing by mail:  During the state of emergency, the OHR will determine the date of receipt of complaints received via mail by using the postal date, or the date of signature on the complaint plus five business days. The OHR Director retains the discretion to amend these rules as necessary under the state of emergency.

• Intake Interview: Starting March 17 until further notice, all intake interviews scheduled with OHR will be held telephonically or rescheduled to a later date at request of a complainant. 

• Notarization:  Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and until further notice, complainants will not be required to notarize the Charge of Discrimination, but Charges must still be verified and signed by the complainant under penalty of perjury.

• Mediation Conference: Starting March 18, until further notice, parties scheduled for mediation will be offered an alternative session options including video conferencing or an opportunity to reschedule for a later date. For more information about your mediation session, contact [email protected].  

• Commission on Human Rights Hearing: Starting March 16, Commission hearings or settlement conferences will be postponed or held virtually. For more information about cases at the Commission or hearing dates, contact [email protected]. 

• Case Status Updates: Parties to a case under investigation at OHR may inquire into their case status by emailing [email protected] or their case assigned Human Rights Officer during this period. 

How does this impact our physical locations? 

Beginning March 18, OHR will be open virtually and available for service via phone and email only.

Where should you go if you have questions? 

For questions about any of the services we provide and information on any future changes, please contact us at 202-727-4559 or email [email protected]. For more information, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov.