Arizona Workplace Discrimination — Filing a Complaint
Protected classes, filing deadlines, and how to pursue a discrimination claim under Arizona and federal law.
Protected Classes
Under Arizona law, employers cannot discriminate based on: race, color, religion, sex, age (40+), disability, national origin, and genetic test results; adds genetic testing protections at the state level.
Federal laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) provide additional protections for employees of employers with 15+ employees (20+ for age discrimination).
Types of Discrimination
Filing a Discrimination Complaint
You have 180 days from the alleged discriminatory act to file a state charge with the Civil Rights Division; separately, under federal law a charge with the EEOC usually may be filed within 300 days against employers with 15+ employees (20+ for age claims) §41-1481. Arizona Attorney General Civil Rights Division is a deferral agency with the EEOC under a worksharing agreement; charges are cross-filed; Arizona does not require a state right-to-sue letter — employee may file suit in state court after exhausting administrative remedies or after 90 days without agency action.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| State Agency | Arizona Attorney General, Civil Rights Division |
| Federal Agency | EEOC |
| State Deadline | 180 days from the alleged discriminatory act to file a state charge with the Civil Rights Division; separately, under federal law a charge with the EEOC usually may be filed within 300 days against employers with 15+ employees (20+ for age claims) §41-1481 |
| Federal Deadline | 180 days (300 with deferral) [42 U.S.C. § 2000e-5] |
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.
Related guides
- 180 days from the alleged discriminatory act to file a state charge with the Civil Rights Division; separately, under federal law a charge with the EEOC usually may be filed within 300 days against employers with 15+ employees (20+ for age claims)