File a Complaint
Where and How to File a Complaint
What is Illegal Discrimination?
Discrimination comes in many forms. Some of them are illegal, and some are not illegal under current PA law. The law protects you from discrimination in five areas:
- Employment - getting a job or on the job
- Education - in school, whether it be public or private school, college, trade school or university
- Public Accommodations - access to public places or services
- Housing - in renting, buying selling or getting a loan for a home
- Commercial property - access to or the purchase, sale or lease of commercial property.
PA law, in general, prohibits discrimination based on race, color, age (40 and over), sex, ancestry, national origin, religion, familial status (only in housing), disability and the use, handling or training of guide or support animals for disability.
The law defines each of the areas in which discrimination is prohibited and the bases of illegal discrimination listed above, as well as others included in the law.
A job applicant is turned down because he is African-American. A woman is paid less than a man for the same work. Your boss or co-worker makes unwanted sexual advances. A student with disabilities is denied the use of a guide dog. Your city doesn't offer accessible parking for people with disabilities. A neighbor continually harasses you because of your religion... All of these situations and many more can be illegal discrimination. Find out more below.
Where and How to File a Complaint
If you believe you have experienced illegal discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint, and the PA Human Relations Commission will investigate. Complaints may be filed by calling or visiting the Human Relations Commission office serving your county* as shown on the map below. Complaint forms can be mailed to us, but we recommend that you call for guidance before completing them.
*Complaints should be filed in the county in which the party you are complaining against (respondent) is located.
Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of harm (the discriminatory action or incident).
A staff member will help you complete the appropriate Complaint form for the type of discrimination you have suffered. The forms can be downloaded here, but cannot be submitted online. Mail your completed forms to the office in the county where the discrimination occured, as shown below. If more information is needed in order to complete your complaint, you will be contacted.
Please don’t hesitate to call the office serving your county if you have questions about filing a complaint.
Language translation services are available on request to those needing assistance filing a complaint.
 |
Counties Served by
Pittsburgh Regional Office
301 Fifth Avenue
Suite 390, Piatt Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 565-5395
(412) 565-5711 TTY users only
Directions
|
 |
Counties Served by
Philadelphia Regional Office
110 North 8th Street, Suite 501
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 560-2496
(215) 560-3599 TTY users only
Directions
|
 |
Counties Served by
Harrisburg Regional Office
Riverfront Office Center, 5th Floor
1101-1125 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2515
(717) 787-9784
(717) 787-7279 TTY users only
Directions
|
