Public Accommodations

Filing a Complaint of Public Accommodation Discrimination

Navigating the OHR complaint process requires detailed coordination of procedures by OHR staff. Complaints of public accommodations discrimination include the bases of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status and sexual orientation.

To file a complaint of public accommodations discrimination, the complaint must be in writing and notarized. Keep in mind that the OHR staff members are available to guide you through the filing process.

• Call or walk-in to OHR to discuss your complaint with a knowledgeable staff member. If you call and your complaint meets the requisite standards, an appointment will be scheduled for you to come to the office, complete and sign the paperwork necessary to file an official complaint. If you walk-in and your complaint meets the requisite standards, an appointment will be scheduled for you or you will be able to complete and sign the paperwork necessary during your office visit, subject to openings in the schedule and staff availability.
   
• If you have called and have an appointment scheduled, you may print the appropriate questionnaire from the OHR website, complete and bring it with you when you come to the office; if you have not completed the questionnaire, you may do so during your office visit.
   
• During your office visit you will need to complete one or more Affidavits. The information requested will include the name, address and phone number of the place of public accommodations where you were alleged discriminated against; an individual, e.g., a food server, a ticket agent, a desk person at a hotel/motel, etc., as appropriate, and witnesses. It is important to remember that should any of the contact information change for anyone referenced in your complaint, including yourself, prior to your receiving notification that your case is closed, you are to forward the new contact information to the OHR.
   
• Additionally, you will need to provide an account of the alleged discriminatory action(s), in chronological order if possible, along with any documents in your possession that may be relevant to your complaint.
   
• Provide as much information as possible about all parties involved in the alleged act of discrimination, most importantly the correct name and address of the place of public accommodations. Also important, if you have filed this complaint with FCHR, please disclose this to the OHR.
   
• When your complaint is taken and your signature is affixed and notarized (you will need photo identification), the investigative process begins.
   
• Once you have filed a complaint, you will be given a detailed explanation of what to expect regarding the investigative process and what participation is expected of you.