If you believe you have been discriminated against by an employee, labor union or employment agency when applying for a job or while on the job because of your race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability, or believe that you have been discriminated against because of opposing a prohibited practice or participating in an equal employment opportunity matter, you may file a charge of discrimination with the City of Sarasota.

Charges may be filed in person, by mail or by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Resources. To avoid delay, call or write beforehand if you need special assistance, such as an interpreter, to file a charge.

There are strict time frames in which charges of employment discrimination must be filed to preserve the ability of the City of Sarasota to act.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII)

Charges must be filed with EEOC within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. However, in states or localities where there is an anti-discrimination law and an agency authorized to grant or seek relief, a charge must be presented to that state or local agency. Furthermore, in such jurisdictions, you may file charges with EEOC within 300 days of the discriminatory act, or 30 days after receiving notice that the state or local agency has terminated its processing of the charge, whichever is earlier. It is best to contact EEOC promptly when discrimination is suspected. When charges or complaints are filed beyond these time frames, you may not be able to obtain any remedy.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The time requirements for filing a charge are the same as those for Title VII charges.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

The time requirements for filing a charge are the same as those for Title VII and the ADA.

Equal Pay Act (EPA)

Individuals are not required to file an EPA charge with EEOC before filing a private lawsuit. However, charges may be filed with EEOC and some cases of wage discrimination also may be violations of Title VII. If an EPA charge is filed with EEOC, the procedure for filing is the same as for charges brought under Title VII. However, the time limits for filing in court are different under the EPA, thus, it is advisable to file a charge as soon as you become aware the EPA may have been violated.

For more detailed information regarding the above acts, please contact the EEOC office nearest you.

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