The Oklahoma Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) investigates employment and housing discrimination complaints under state law.

What Is OCRE?

The Oklahoma Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE), formerly the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission, is the state agency responsible for enforcing the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act (25 O.S. § 1101 et seq.). OCRE investigates complaints of discrimination in employment and housing.

What Does OCRE Cover?

OCRE enforces the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination based on:

Race or color

Religion

Sex (including pregnancy)

National origin

Age (40 and older)

Disability

Genetic information

Retaliation for filing a complaint

OCRE vs. EEOC

OCRE has a work-sharing agreement with the EEOC. This means:

A complaint filed with OCRE is automatically cross-filed with the EEOC (and vice versa)

You do not need to file with both agencies — one filing preserves your rights under both state and federal law

OCRE applies Oklahoma law, while the EEOC applies federal law

Filing Deadline

Deadline

You must file your OCRE complaint within 180 days of the discriminatory act. Because of the EEOC cross-filing agreement, filing with OCRE within 180 days also preserves your 300-day EEOC deadline.

How to File

Contact OCRE

Call (405) 521-2360 or visit the Oklahoma Attorney General's website.

Complete Intake Form

Describe the discrimination, including dates, names, and what happened.

Submit Evidence

Attach termination letters, emails, performance reviews, or other supporting documents.

OCRE Investigates

OCRE will investigate and may attempt mediation or conciliation before issuing a determination.

What Happens After Filing

OCRE will investigate the complaint and issue a finding within 180 days. Possible outcomes:

Conciliation

OCRE attempts to resolve the complaint through agreement between the parties.

Finding of Cause

OCRE determines discrimination occurred and may refer the case for prosecution.

No Cause Finding

OCRE determines there is insufficient evidence of discrimination.

Right to Sue

If OCRE does not resolve the complaint, you receive the right to file suit in Oklahoma state court.

Strategic Note

Many employment discrimination attorneys file directly with the EEOC rather than OCRE. The EEOC cross-filing agreement means your state law rights are preserved either way, and the EEOC office in Oklahoma City has more resources for investigation. Consult an attorney to determine the best filing strategy for your case.

Filing an Oklahoma OCRE Complaint