Mediation and ADR
Charge of discrimination
A signed statement filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission saying that an employer, union or employment agency discriminated against someone at work.[1]
In more detail
Most federal laws the EEOC enforces require a charge before a job discrimination lawsuit can be filed, and filing deadlines apply.[1] After a charge is filed, the EEOC notifies the employer and may offer mediation; if the charge isn't resolved, it may be investigated.[2] Federal law describes how the EEOC serves notice of a charge and investigates it.[3]
Varies by state
This is a federal process. State agencies set their own procedures and deadlines for state-law claims. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- EEOC mediationA free, voluntary program in which a trained, neutral mediator helps an employee and employer try to resolve a charge of discrimination filed with the U.S.
- ConciliationIn federal employment discrimination cases, the EEOC's informal effort to end an unlawful practice through conference, conciliation and persuasion after it finds reasonable cause to believe a charge is true.
- Statute of limitationsThe deadline for filing a lawsuit or starting a criminal prosecution.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Charge of discrimination: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/charge-of-discrimination/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.