Enforcement Agencies

Enforcement Agencies

In addition to the JWU policies and procedures regarding discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, if a complainant believes they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, the complainant may contact the appropriate governmental agencies listed below. 

Federal Enforcement Agencies 

The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (codified as 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.). An individual can file a complaint with the EEOC anytime within 300 days from the allegedly unlawful conduct. There is no cost to file a complaint with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate the complaint, and determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that sexual discrimination has occurred, at which point the EEOC will issue a Right to Sue letter permitting the individual to file a complaint in federal court.

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Customer Service Team
400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100

Phone: 800-421-3481

This office may refer the matter to a regional Office for Civil Rights. Please refer to the Office for Civil Rights for more information.

State Enforcement Agencies

Rhode Island

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
    John F. Kennedy Federal Building, 475 Government Center, Boston, MA 02203
    800-669-4000
  • Rhode Island State Commission for Human Rights
180 Westminster St., Third Floor, Providence, RI 02903-3768
401-222-2661

Massachusetts

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
    John F. Kennedy Federal Building, 475 Government Center, Boston, MA 02203
    800-669-4000
  • Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
    One Ashburton Place, Sixth Floor, Room 601, Boston, MA 02108
    617-994-6000

North Carolina

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
    129 West Trade St., Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28202
    800-669-4000
  • NC Human Relations Commission
    1711 New Hope Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
    984-236-1850

Local Police Department

If the harassment involves unwanted physical touching, coerced physical confinement, or coerced sex acts, the conduct may constitute a crime. Contact the local police department.