1. What is discrimination?
Discrimination is biased or unfair treatment against an employee in the terms, conditions and privileges of employment because of his or her race, color, age, gender, religion, disability, national origin and/or sexual identity.

2. I think I have been discriminated against, but I’m not sure. What do I do?
Employees who feel they have been discriminated against should call the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Affairs (OEEODA) to schedule an appointment to discuss their workplace concerns. During the intake process, it will be determined whether or not the articulated workplace concerns have a discriminatory basis.

3. When should I file a complaint?
A complaint of discrimination must be filled with the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Affairs within thirty (30) days of the date on which the unfair employment practice took place. Under certain conditions, a waiver of the filing deadline may be granted. Waivers will be approved or denied at the time an untimely charge is filed.

4. Do I need to have permission from my supervisor or department head to come to the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and will I have to use leave time?
Employees do not have to have permission to come to the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Affairs. However, employees cannot simply walk off of their jobs without giving notice to their supervisors. Employees also do not have to use leave time to come to the OEEODA.

5. Is the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Affairs the only place I can file a charge of discrimination?
No. Employees who feel they have been discriminated against may also file with the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) located at 100 Alabama Street, S. W., Suite 4R30, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303. Employees can file a complaint of discrimination with either the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity or the EEOC or both agencies simultaneously.

6. What happens if the unfair treatment I allege is not discrimination?
If it is determined after an intake interview that your complaint is not based on discrimination, you will be referred to the appropriate resource for the resolution of your complaint. The Office of Employee/Labor Relations and the Grievance Process are resources for employees to resolve complaints that do not have a discriminatory basis.

7. Can my supervisor fire, demote or treat me less favorably because I filed a complaint of discrimination or participated in an investigation of discrimination?
No. Employers cannot retaliate against employees who file a charge of discrimination or participate in an investigation of discrimination. Employees have the right to a fair inquiry if they feel that they have been a recipient of alleged discrimination.

8. I think I have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation, but I’m not sure. What do I do?
Employees who feel that they have a disability (mental or physical) and need a reasonable accommodation should contact the Fulton County Office Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Affairs to schedule an appointment to determine their eligibility for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to request a reasonable accommodation. The Disability Affairs Unit may be reached by telephone at (404)612-7390 (TTY: 404-612-1238). All conversations and information shared with the OEEODA are considered private and confidential.

9. I think I have been discriminated against because of my actual, perceived, or record of disability, but I’m not sure. What do I do?
Employees who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of their actual or perceived disability (mental or physical) should call the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Affairs to schedule an appointment to discuss their complaint. During the intake process, it will be determined whether or not your complaint has a discriminatory basis based upon an actual, perceived or record of disability within the meaning of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA).

10. I think I need a religious accommodation, but I’m not sure. What do I do?
Employees who feel that they need a workplace accommodation for religious observances, practices and sincerely held beliefs may call the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Affairs to schedule an appointment to discuss their request for a religious accommodation.

11. I think I have been subjected to unlawful “hostile work environment” harassment, but I’m not sure. What do I do?
Employees who feel that they have been subjected to unlawful harassment because of their race, color, age, gender, religion, disability, national origin and/or sexual identity should call the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Affairs to schedule an appointment to discuss their complaint. During the intake process, it will be determined whether or not your harassment complaint
implicates protected class issues such as race, color, age, gender, religion, disability, national origin and/or sexual identity.

Employees who feel that they have been subjected to generalized mistreatment or harassment for
any other reason may contact The Office of Employee/Labor Relations and/or utilize the Grievance Process to resolve their “hostile work environment” complaints that do not have an unlawful, discriminatory basis.

The Office of Employee/Labor Relations is located at 141 Pryor Street, SW, Room 3030, Atlanta, Georgia 30303 or may be reached by telephone at (404)613-0880.

12. As a Fulton County employee, what obligation do I have to be truthful in my communications with OEEODA staff members?
P. R. 1800-7 (Fraud, Falsehood, Perjury and Malfeasance) specifies dismissal from employment as the minimum penalty for “any willful, intentional or deliberate misstatement or concealment of material fact in connection with [an official County] investigation”, including an unlawful discrimination complaint investigation by OEEODA.