File a Hiring Discrimination Claim - Philadelphia

Labor and Employment Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, people who believe they were denied a job because of protected characteristics can file a complaint with the City Commission on Human Relations. The Commission enforces the city Fair Practices Ordinance and accepts employment discrimination complaints; see the Commission for intake rules and contact options Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations[1].

What counts as hiring discrimination

Hiring discrimination includes adverse decisions in recruitment, interviewing, selection, job adverts, testing, background checks or written screening rules when motivated by race, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected traits under the city ordinance. The Commission applies the Fair Practices Ordinance standards and procedures listed on the city site Fair Practices Ordinance[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and may include investigations, conciliation, administrative hearings and orders. Specific monetary fine amounts and escalation rules are not specified on the cited page; see the posted ordinance and Commission pages for procedural details Fair Practices Ordinance[2].

  • Enforcer: Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations conducts intake, investigation and adjudication.
  • Sanctions: administrative orders, reinstatement or equitable relief may be ordered; monetary fines or penalties are not specifically listed on the cited page.
  • Inspection/Investigation: the Commission can request documents, interviews and witness statements during an investigation.
  • Fees: filing fees are not specified on the cited pages; the Commission lists submission instructions and any required forms separately.
  • Appeals/Review: appeal routes and time limits for review are not specified on the cited page; the Commission’s procedural rules govern appeals.
If the ordinance page lacks specific fine amounts, the Commission’s intake staff can explain available remedies.

Applications & Forms

To start a claim you will normally submit a complaint or intake form through the Commission. The Commission posts complaint intake instructions and the complaint form on its site; any required form name, submission method, fees or deadlines are given on the Commission’s filing page File a Complaint[3]. If a specific form number or filing fee is not shown on that page, it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Common form: Complaint/Intake form available on the Commission filing page; check that page for the current PDF or online intake.
  • Submission: follow online intake or mailing instructions on the Commission page; in-person filing options are noted there if available.
  • Fees and deadlines: if not shown on the Commission page, fees or strict filing deadlines are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Identify the discriminatory act in hiring and collect evidence such as job postings, emails, screening test results and witness names.
  2. Contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to confirm jurisdiction and intake options; follow the Commission’s directions for the intake form and documentation.[1]
  3. Complete and submit the complaint/intake form online or by mail as instructed on the Commission’s filing page; keep copies of everything submitted.
  4. Cooperate with the Commission investigation, provide requested documents, and consider mediation or conciliation if offered.
  5. If an administrative hearing is ordered, prepare evidence and consider legal counsel; follow appeal timelines in the Commission’s procedural rules.
Act promptly to preserve evidence and meet any intake timelines the Commission provides.

FAQ

Who enforces hiring discrimination rules in Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations enforces the city Fair Practices Ordinance and handles employment discrimination complaints.
How do I file a complaint?
Begin by submitting the Commission’s complaint or intake form via the File a Complaint page; follow the Commission’s directions for documentation.
Are there filing fees or deadlines?
Filing fees and specific deadlines are not specified on the cited Commission pages; check the Commission filing page for current requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • File with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to address hiring discrimination under city ordinance.
  • Use the Commission’s online intake or complaint form and preserve all evidence.
  • Monetary fines and escalation specifics are not listed on the ordinance page; consult the Commission for remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations - Department page
  2. [2] Fair Practices Ordinance - Commission information
  3. [3] File a Complaint - Commission intake and form

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