Discrimination can take many forms. In the state of Connecticut, an agency called the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) protects individuals and groups from targeted discrimination and provides victims of unlawful discrimination with a legal means for taking action against their discriminators.

What are the types of employment discrimination in Connecticut and who is protected?

Employees are protected from discrimination in employment decisions based on protected class status. The following areas may indicate protected class status:

• Age
• Ancestry
• National origin
• Color
• Race
• Religious creed
• Learning disability
• Intellectual impairment
• Mental health status
• Physical disability
• Marital status
• Sex
• Gender identity or expression
• Sexual orientation
• Pregnancy
• Prior criminal record (in employment transactions only, with exceptions)

How to file a discrimination claim

If you are a member of a protected class and believe you are or have been a victim of illegal discrimination in Connecticut, you can file a complaint with the CHRO at no cost. In turn, the CHRO will investigate the details of your claim and advise you of your rights and next steps.

With respect to any discrimination, harassment, or retaliation that occurred on or after October 1, 2019, the deadline for filing a complaint with the CHRO has been extended from 180 days to 300 days. The deadline is 180 days for acts of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on events that occurred before October 1, 2019 is 180 days. This deadline is important, and you must submit your official complaint in writing and under oath – it can take significant time to research, draft, and notarize an effective complaint.

A compellingly written complaint can be the key to your case. For this reason, it’s always to your benefit to engage a civil rights attorney’s help in drafting your claim. But if your initial complaint is denied, a discrimination claims lawyer can help you exercise further legal solutions.

Contact an experienced Connecticut attorney for help filing a discrimination complaint

For more than 20 years, Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau LLC has been a resource and advocate for clients who suffer discrimination in Connecticut. To learn more about our services, call (860) 246-2466, or contact us online.