If you believe your employer discriminated against you, a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC is typically the required first step before filing a lawsuit.

What Is an EEOC Charge?

A Charge of Discrimination is a formal complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging that your employer violated federal employment discrimination laws. It is not a lawsuit — it is an administrative prerequisite that must be completed before you can file suit in court under most federal employment laws.

What Laws Does the EEOC Enforce?

Title VII

Race, color, religion, sex, and national origin discrimination

ADA

Disability discrimination and failure to accommodate

ADEA

Age discrimination (40 and older)

Equal Pay Act

Sex-based wage discrimination

GINA

Genetic information discrimination

Retaliation

For reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation

The Deadline

Critical Deadline

In Oklahoma, you must file your EEOC charge within 300 days of the discriminatory act. If you miss this deadline, your federal claim is likely barred — regardless of its merits.

The 300-day deadline applies because Oklahoma has a state agency (OCRE) that cross-files with the EEOC. In states without a local agency, the deadline is 180 days.

How to File

Online

Visit the EEOC Public Portal to submit an inquiry and schedule an intake interview online.

EEOC Portal

In Person

Visit the OKC EEOC office at 215 Dean A. McGee Ave., Suite 524, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

By Mail

Send a signed letter with your name, address, phone, the employer's info, number of employees, event description, dates, and basis for discrimination.

What Happens After You File

Notice to Employer

The EEOC sends a copy of your charge to the employer within 10 days.

Investigation

The EEOC investigates — requesting documents, interviewing witnesses, and possibly visiting the workplace.

Mediation (Optional)

The EEOC may offer mediation, a voluntary settlement process.

Determination

The EEOC issues either a "reasonable cause" finding or a "no cause" dismissal.

Right to Sue Letter

You receive a Right to Sue letter giving you 90 days to file a lawsuit in federal court.

Pro Tip

You do not have to wait for the EEOC to finish investigating. After 180 days, you can request your Right to Sue letter and proceed to court. Many attorneys prefer this approach because EEOC investigations can take a year or more.

Should I Hire an Attorney First?

You are not required to have an attorney to file an EEOC charge. However, having one is strongly recommended because:

What you write in the charge can limit or expand the scope of your later lawsuit

An attorney can ensure you include all relevant claims and theories

The employer will have legal counsel — you should too

Early involvement allows your attorney to preserve evidence and develop strategy from the start

How to File an EEOC Charge