Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Office of Fair Practices

1. What is discrimination?
2. Who can file a complaint with Maryland Department of Labor's Office of Fair Practices?
3. Can I file a discrimination complaint over the phone?
4. Can I walk in to file a complaint, or do I need an appointment?
5. Can I file a confidential or an anonymous complaint?
6. Where can I obtain copies of the forms to file a complaint?
7. How long do I have to file a complaint?
8. Do I have to have a representative present?
9. May I bring someone with me to my meeting with my investigator?
10. How do I withdraw my complaint?
11. What happens if I am dissatisfied with the decision issued by the Agency?

1. What is discrimination?
Law states discrimination must be based on race, color, sex, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, genetic testing, age, religion, national origin, marital status or disability.

Discrimination occurs when people are treated unequally, and usually negatively, because they are members of a particular group.

2. Who can file a complaint with Maryland Department of Labor's Office of Fair Practices?
Any Maryland Department of Labor employee, applicant for employment, beneficiary or any other Maryland Department of Labor client who believes that he/she has been subjected to unlawful discrimination prohibited by law.

3. Can I file a discrimination complaint over the phone?
Yes, however, a completed charge of discrimination must be signed and sworn to by the charging party.

4. Can I walk in to file a complaint, or do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are accepted based on staff availability, but it is always best to schedule an appointment.

5. Can I file a confidential or an anonymous complaint?
When you file a complaint, you must give us your name. Your name must appear on the complaint, and it must be signed by you.

6. Where can I obtain copies of the forms to file a complaint?
You can obtain a discrimination complaint form by downloading the DLLR/OFP 120 form (Word), by calling 410-230-6319 or stopping by the Office of Fair Practices, 1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 613, Baltimore, MD 21201.

7. How long do I have to file a complaint?
The anti-discrimination laws give you a limited amount of time to file a charge of discrimination. In general, you need to file a charge within 180 days from the day the alleged discrimination took place.

8. Do I have to have a representative present?
No. Although you don't have to be represented by a lawyer during the complaint process, you have the right to have a lawyer or union representative if you want one.

9. May I bring someone with me to my meeting with my investigator?
Yes. You, the charging party, may bring someone with you to the intake meeting; however, the Office of Fair Practices must be notified of any additional parties in advance.

10. How do I withdraw my complaint?
To withdraw your complaint, you must provide the Office of Fair Practices with a letter requesting to withdraw the complaint.

11. What happens if I am dissatisfied with the decision issued by the Agency?
If you are dissatisfied with your decision, the Office of Fair Practices will provide you with the appropriate contact information necessary to pursue your complaint further.