Investigation and Conciliation

Once a case is assigned to an investigator, interviews will be conducted and documents will be requested as warranted by the basis/bases and issues on the face of the charge. The investigator evaluates all information gathered and makes a recommendation as to whether or not there is sufficient evidence to believe that an act of unlawful discrimination has occurred.

If OHR finds that there is no reasonable cause to believe that unlawful discrimination has occurred, the case is closed and the parties notified of such. EEOC will issue a right-to-sue letter once the OHR’s findings have been received and reviewed by EEOC.

If OHR finds cause to believe that unlawful discrimination has occurred, conciliation discussions will be encouraged in an attempt to negotiate a settlement satisfactory to the parties. If the parties do not agree to conciliation or a conciliation session is held and is impassed, cases are forwarded to EEOC for disposition, e.g., attempted conciliation by EEOC, the issuance of a right-to-sue letter, or, EEOC may choose to take the case to court.

For cases filed under Chapter 57 only, you will be given an explanation of the process as per Chapter 57.