How do I file a discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD)?

To file a discrimination complaint, you must submit an intake form to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) online, by mail, or by phone before the legal deadline. Here is how to complete the process: Step 1: Gather Your Information Collect all documents related to your employment and the discrimination. This includes your job title, dates of employment, pay stubs, performance reviews, disciplinary notices, emails, text messages, and a detailed timeline of the discriminatory events. Write down the names and titles of everyone involved. Step 2: Meet the Filing Deadline Under California law (Government Code § 12960), you generally have three years from the date of the last discriminatory act to file your complaint with the CRD. Missing this deadline will likely prevent you from pursuing your claim. Step 3: Submit an Intake Form The easiest way to start is by using the CRD’s online portal at calcivilrights.ca.gov. You will create an account and fill out a detailed intake form. You can also print a form from the website and mail it in, or you can call the CRD to start the process over the phone. Step 4: Participate in the CRD Process After you submit your form, a CRD representative will likely schedule an interview with you to discuss your claim. If the CRD accepts your case for investigation, they will prepare a formal complaint for you to review and sign under penalty of perjury. The CRD will then notify your employer and may offer mediation or begin a neutral investigation. Important Details and Nuances The CRD does not act as your attorney; it acts as a neutral fact-finder. At any point, you can request an immediate "Right-to-Sue" notice from the CRD, which ends their investigation and allows you to file a lawsuit in court. If the CRD investigates and cannot substantiate your claim, they will close the case and issue you a Right-to-Sue notice. Warnings and Limitations The CRD process can take more than a year to complete. Filing with the CRD is a mandatory prerequisite before you can file a lawsuit in state court for violations of the Fair Employment and Housing Act. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations or to understand all your legal options, you should consult with a qualified California attorney.