Pennsylvania Continues to Take Discrimination Complaints During Federal Shutdown

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission will continue to accept and investigate employment discrimination complaints on behalf of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and housing discrimination complaints on behalf of the U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during the federal government shutdown.

The commission investigates complaints on behalf of both federal agencies when the alleged discrimination violates both Pennsylvania state law and federal law. Complaints filed directly with PHRC will be processed and investigated as usual during the federal shutdown.

"Families, workers, people with disabilities and others have a place to turn when they face discrimination in Pennsylvania," Chairman Gerry Robinson said. "Victims of discrimination will be able to speak with people in our offices by phone or in person during the shutdown, just as they can during normal circumstances."

Online complaint filing with HUD and the EEOC is available during the shutdown, but complaints filed directly with federal agencies will not be processed or investigated until the federal government resumes normal operations.

PHRC staff members are available to assist by phone or in offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Appointments are recommended for visits.

Filing instructions and complaint forms can be found online at www.phrc.state.pa.us under "File a Complaint."

Media contact: Shannon Powers, 717-783-8266

SOURCE Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission