The New York State Division of Human Rights has launched a new call center allowing New Yorkers to file a discrimination report over the phone with a call center agent for the first time in the Division’s history by dialing 844-NYS-DHR1 or 844-697-3471.
The Division’s call center provides a live agent ready to listen to what a New Yorker has experienced, and who will then file a discrimination report form on the caller’s behalf. This will save New Yorkers time by reducing the paperwork burden associated with initiating the complaint process; it will also make filing easier and clearer by providing real-time assistance from a trained professional. Reporting discrimination to the Division of Human Rights is free, and individuals do not need an attorney to submit a report or file a complaint. Plus, the call center representatives are equipped to provide free interpretation services to callers who speak a language other than English.
When someone contacts the Division’s intake call center to report discrimination, they will be connected with a trained agent who will ask the caller to explain what happened and why they believe they were discriminated against. The agent may ask follow-up questions to clarify details and get more information. The agent will document the information shared during this phone call and then process it as a discrimination report – the first step in the agency’s complaint intake procedure. After the discrimination report is filed over the phone, the caller will receive an emailed copy, and another copy will be routed to the Division’s dedicated Intake Unit for further review and to assist individuals in finalizing and filing a formal complaint. Additional details about the Division’s complaint filing and investigatory processes can be found at https://dhr.ny.gov/complaint.
As part of the Division’s effort to modernize and simplify its complaint management process, the agency has also introduced an improved online discrimination reporting form (https://webapps.dhr.ny.gov/discrimination-report). This new online form is designed to make it easier for New Yorkers to navigate the filing process and submit clear, complete reports of discrimination that can be reviewed by the Division in an efficient manner.
The reporting process announcements build on extensive efforts underway to reorganize and revitalize the New York State Division of Human Rights.
For more information about the law or to report discrimination, visit dhr.ny.gov.
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