The Code of Virginia and Governor’s Executive Order prohibit discrimination in state workplaces on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or status as a veteran. As a state employee, you have multiple resources available to bring forth your concerns of discrimination or other workplace matters.
Unless your supervisor is involved in the matters that are concerning to you, have a discussion first with your supervisor. Supervisors are directly responsible for ensuring employees have a workplace free of discrimination and they also have a responsibility to ensure your success as an employee.
Your Agency's EEO/Employee Relations or Human Resources Office
Your agency’s employee relations or human resources office is the first place to raise concerns about and/or file a complaint regarding discrimination in the workplace.
Some agencies will have a dedicated office or individual to whom such information should be provided. If you are unsure, seek out the Manager of that Office. Under no circumstances are you required to submit a complaint to individuals alleged to be engaging in prohibited conduct.
Attorney General's Office of Civil Rights
The Attorney General’s Office has established an Office of Civil Rights (OCR) that can accept complaints of employment discrimination.
- The OCR can investigate complaints, refer the complaint to another agency with authority, or seek to facilitate a resolution.
- If the complaint is not resolved, you may be provided with a notice of your right to file a lawsuit about your discrimination claim.
- More information can be found on the OCR website or by calling (804) 225-2292, or emailing CivilRights@oag.state.va.us.
Commonwealth of Virginia Grievance Procedure
Non-probationary classified state employees may use the Commonwealth’s grievance procedure to bring forward work-related concerns to upper-level management, and in some cases, to an independent hearing officer.
- Grievances must be filed within 30 calendar days of the challenged action. You are responsible for pursuing your grievance through the grievance procedure, rather than an investigation being undertaken separately.
- Information about the grievance procedure is available through the Office of Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) website at: www.dhrm.virginia.gov/edr. You can also contact the EDR AdviceLine at 1-888-232-3842, or by email at edr@dhrm.virginia.gov.
Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The EEOC is the federal agency with oversight of most federal employment discrimination laws.
- Complaints can be filed through the EEOC website at www.eeoc.gov. The EEOC will review your submission and can take a variety of actions, including conducting an investigation, seeking to resolve the matter through mediation, or providing you a “right to sue” letter for you to file a lawsuit.
- For more information, call 1-800-669-4000.
Note: The applicable laws and policies under which these resources operate prohibit retaliation for making a complaint of discrimination or being involved in a complaint, such as by providing evidence to support a claim. If you have participated in one of these resources and feel your employer has retaliated against you, contact the applicable resource to report the retaliation.