File Hiring Discrimination Complaint in St. Louis

Labor and Employment Missouri 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Missouri

In St. Louis, Missouri, job applicants who believe they were rejected because of race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin or other protected characteristics can pursue a complaint at the state or federal level. Start by documenting the hiring decision, dates, communications and any evidence of differential treatment. You may file with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; each agency has different deadlines and remedies and may coordinate with local authorities.[1][2]

How to begin

Collect dated documents: job postings, resumes, interview notes, emails, names of interviewers and names of hired candidates if known. Draft a clear chronological account describing why the decision appears discriminatory and list witnesses. You can submit an intake or charge form to the state or federal agency; filing with one may affect deadlines for the other.

File promptly because deadlines are strict.

Where to file

  • Missouri Commission on Human Rights - state charge and intake process. [1]
  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - federal charge and intake. [2]
  • Local City of St. Louis offices may provide referrals and local ordinance information (see Help and Support below).

Penalties & Enforcement

Remedies and penalties vary by jurisdiction. City-specific monetary fines for hiring discrimination are not specified on the cited city pages; state and federal agencies pursue corrective remedies and damages per their statutes. Agencies can order reinstatement, back pay, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies, and may refer cases for civil litigation or criminal prosecution when a statute is breached.

  • Monetary fines or statutory caps: not specified on the cited city pages; state and federal remedies available through the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and the EEOC.[1]
  • Escalation: agencies investigate, attempt mediation or conciliation, then may issue a determination and refer unresolved matters to litigation; precise escalation fees or tiered fines are not specified on the cited city pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to hire, reinstate, change policies, provide training, and injunctive relief; agencies may refer to courts for enforcement.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: file an intake or charge with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights or the EEOC; local offices may accept referrals. See Help and Support for official contact pages.[1]
  • Appeal and review: administrative decisions generally allow for appeals or judicial review; statutory time limits vary by forum and are noted on the agency decision or statute (not specified on the cited city pages).
  • Defences and discretion: employers may assert bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity, or legitimate nondiscriminatory reasons; agencies evaluate pretext and reasonableness.
Administrative remedies may include mediation before formal litigation.

Applications & Forms

Missouri Commission on Human Rights intake/complaint form: available from the commission's website; follow the online intake instructions on the official page.[1]

EEOC intake and charge forms: available via the EEOC website; you can submit online, by phone, or in person per EEOC guidance.[2]

Steps to file a complaint

  1. Document the incident: gather dates, communications, job posting, resumes and names.
  2. Check deadlines: state and federal deadlines differ; start intake promptly.
  3. Submit intake/charge to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights or EEOC via their official portals.[1]
  4. Cooperate with investigation: provide requested documents and witness contacts.
  5. Consider mediation or conciliation: many agencies offer settlement before determination.
  6. If administrative remedies conclude without relief, consult an attorney about court filings or appeals.

FAQ

How long do I have to file?
Deadlines vary by agency; file as soon as possible and check the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and EEOC pages for specific time limits.[1]
Can I file both state and federal charges?
Yes, but filing with one may affect jurisdiction and deadlines; consult the agencies' intake guidance.[2]
Will my employer be notified?
Yes, the respondent employer is normally notified during the intake and investigation process.

How-To

  1. Prepare a timeline of events and collect documents.
  2. Go to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights or EEOC intake page and complete the online form.[1]
  3. Answer agency follow-up and supply requested evidence.
  4. Engage in mediation or conciliation if offered.
  5. Review the final determination and follow appeal steps if you disagree.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: administrative deadlines are strict.
  • Use official state or federal intake portals to start a charge.[1]
  • Document evidence and cooperate with investigators.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Missouri Commission on Human Rights - official intake and complaint information
  2. [2] U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - how to file a charge

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