Questions and Answers about Equal Opportunity Employment

What should I do if I feel I have been discriminated against?
An individual who believes they have been discriminated against may contact a supervisor, management official, or the City's Equal Opportunity Office (EOO).

Who can file an EOO complaint?
Any employee, former employee, or applicant for employment who thinks they have been discriminated against may file an EOO complaint.

What is covered under the EOO process?
Discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, arrest & court records, breastfeeding, assigned child support obligation, color, disability, marital status, national guard, race, religion, retaliation, sex, sexual orientation, and/or whistle-blowing are prohibited by law. Retaliation against an employee for filing an EOO complaint or participating in the EOO process is also prohibited. These are the EOO bases under which an EOO compliant may be filed.

What if my issue(s) are not associated with one of the EOO bases described above?
The EOO Office is not authorized to take complaints that are not associated with one of the EOO bases described.  An individual may consider other alternatives such as: contacting a union representative, if applicable; seeking employee assistance program counseling; or raising the issue through the chain of command.

What information should I present with my complaint?
When seeking filing an EOO complaint, be prepared to make the following statement: "I was treated differently because of my [basis(es)] when on [date of event], the following happened [issue(s)]." Be prepared to discuss what remedies could resolve the issue(s). Supporting documentation and names of witnesses are also helpful information. 

Where do I file my EOO complaint?
Formal EOO complaints are filed with the City's Equal Opportunity Office, which services the state where the alleged discrimination took place.

Contact info:

Equal Opportunity Office
650 South King, 10^th Floor. 

Phone (808)-527-6847. 

Fax (808)-527-5563.

What happens after I file an EOO complaint?
Upon receipt of the EOO complaint, it is reviewed and is either dismissed or accepted for investigation. Once accepted for investigation, an EOO Investigator is assigned to complete a fair investigation of the complaint.