Civil Rights Department (CRD)

Contact

• Email: contact.center@calcivilrights.ca.gov
• Phone: 800-884-1684

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Description

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. The mission of CRD is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, businesses, and state-funded programs, and from bias-motivated violence and human trafficking. CRD is the largest state civil rights agency in the country. It was established by the Legislature in 1959 as the Division of Fair Employment Practices and was initially part of the Department of Industrial Relations. In 1980, it became an independent department, known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and was charged with enforcing California's comprehensive employment, housing, public accommodations, and public service non-discrimination laws, as well as the state's bias-related hate violence law. In 2022, the department's name was changed to better reflect CRD's mission of enforcing a broad range of civil rights laws.

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Services

Community Conflict Mediation Services

Any California community experiencing fear, conflict, or tensions related to discrimination, hate incidents, or hate crimes can seek a confidential, community-based resolution through the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, which offers free resources, training, and mediators. These services provide a flexible, non-adversarial alternative to traditional legal and administrative systems, helping participants collaboratively de-escalate tensions and reach mutually agreeable outcomes without formal judgments.

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File A Discrimination Complaint

If you believe you were subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, CRD may be able to investigate and help you resolve your complaint. File a discrimination complaint via CRD's online system, creating a user account if this is your first time filing.

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Pay Data Reporting

California law requires private employers of 100 or more payroll employees and private client employers of 100 or more labor contractor employees to annually report pay, demographic, and other workforce data to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). This reporting is required under California Government Code section 12999.

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Report A Hate Incident

All victims and witnesses of hate incidents and hate crimes can report and are eligible for free hotline support services. California vs Hate is not affiliated with law enforcement, and you can report anonymously.

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Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

An online course consisting of videos and quizzes to help employees of the State of California prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the time limits for filing a discrimination complaint?

In employment cases, you must submit an intake form to CRD within three years of the date you were last harmed. In most other cases, you must do this within one year of the date you were last harmed.

Where can I find more FAQs regarding Discrimination Complaints?

Visit the Full FAQ

How does a person file a complaint of employment discrimination?

To file a complaint of discrimination, go to the CRD website homepage and click on "Complaint" and select "File a Complaint." The completion and submission of the Inquiry will initiate the complaint process.

How long does it take the department to conduct an investigation?

The department generally has up to one year from the date a complaint is filed in which to complete an initial investigation and file a complaint in civil court if it is justified.