Revised on 1/25/17 Page 2 of 6
FULTON COUNTY OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND CVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE
1. What is discrimination?
Discrimination is biased or unfair treatment against an employee in the terms, conditions and
privileges of employment because of one’s race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including
childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic
information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service-member
status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
2. I think I have been discriminated against, but I’m not sure. What do I do?
Employees who feel they have been discriminated against should call the Office of Diversity and
Civil Rights Compliance to schedule an appointment to discuss your complaint. During the intake
process, it will be determined whether or not your complaint has a discriminatory basis.
3. When should I file a complaint?
A complaint of discrimination must be filed with the Office of Diversity and Civil Rights Compliance
within thirty (30) days of the date on which the unfair employment practice took place. Under
certain conditions, a waiver of the filing deadline may be granted. Waivers will be approved or
denied at the time an untimely charge is filed.
4. Do I need to have permission from my supervisor or department head to come to the Office
of Diversity and Civil Rights Compliance and will I have to use leave time?
Employees do not have to have permission to come to the Office of Diversity and Civil Rights
Compliance. However, employees cannot simply walk off of their jobs without giving notice to their
supervisors. Employees also do not have to use leave time to come to the DCRC.
5. Is the Office of Diversity and Civil Rights Compliance the only place I can file a charge of
discrimination?
No. Employees who feel they have been discriminated against may also file with the U. S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) located at 100 Alabama Street, S. W., Atlanta,
Georgia, 30303. Employees can file a complaint of discrimination with either the Office of
Diversity and Civil Rights Compliance or the EEOC or both agencies simultaneously.
6. What happens if the unfair treatment I allege is not discrimination?
If it is determined after an intake interview that your complaint is not based on discrimination, you
will be referred to the appropriate resource for the resolution of your complaint. The Office of
Employee/Labor Relations and the Grievance Process are resources for employees to resolve
complaints that do not have a discriminatory basis.
7. Can my supervisor fire, demote or treat me differently because I filed a complaint of
discrimination or participated in an investigation of discrimination?
No. Employers cannot retaliate against employees who file a charge of discrimination or
participate in an investigation of discrimination. Every employee has the right to a fair inquiry if
they feel that they have been a recipient of alleged discrimination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT FILING AN
EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT