Frequently Asked Questions
How can the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission (AERC) help you?
If you feel that you are being treated unfairly, call our office at 907-343-4342. A staff member will listen to your concerns and advise you of your rights and responsibilities under Title 5 and certain federal civil rights laws.
How can I file a complaint?
A complaint may be started by visiting or calling our office at 907-343-4342, and a staff member will follow up with you within one business day. No appointment is necessary, and translators are available free of charge.
Who can file a complaint?
Any resident of or visitor to the Municipality of Anchorage who believes that they have been subjected to unlawful discrimination within the Municipality, may file a charge with the AERC. Discrimination is unlawful when it is based on a protected class. Click here to see a list of the protected classes until Title 5.
When should a complaint be filed?
A complaint should be filed with the AERC as soon as possible after the alleged discriminatory act occurs.
The AERC is only able to accept complaints within 180 calendar days (approximately six months) from the last day an alleged discriminatory act took place. If you are unsure of the timing, contact our office. Many times, the harm from a discriminatory act is ongoing.
Why should I file my complaint with the AERC instead of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the state agency?
The AERC has local jurisdiction under the Anchorage Municipal Code Title 5. Eligible AERC complaints are co-filed with the EEOC through an AERC-EEOC workshare agreement, which allows us to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, in employment-related complaints. If you file your complaint with the AERC office, you can meet in person with an investigator in Anchorage rather than filing your complaint in Seattle by mail or phone. You will also have an opportunity to meet with the Respondent in a Fact Finding Conference, where you may be able to resolve the issue(s) through a mutual settlement.
What happens after I file my complaint with AERC?
When the AERC staff receives your notarized complaint of discrimination, the Respondent is provided with a copy, along with a Request for Essential Information. The Respondent has approximately one month to respond to your allegations. Following that, an investigator will hold a Fact Finding Conference with both the Complainant and Respondent present. The Fact Finding Conference is an opportunity to discuss the facts of your case and explore the possibility of settlement. If both parties agree to a voluntary settlement, then the case is closed. If a settlement is not reach, then the AERC opens an impartial investigation into the matter and will determine whether there is substantial evidence of discrimination.
May I have an attorney represent me?
Yes, either party may be represented by an attorney. If you have an attorney, they must notify the staff that they will be representing you. Once staff has been notified that you are represented by an attorney, all future materials involving the investigation of your case will be directed to your attorney.
Does the AERC act as an advocate for the Complainant or Respondent?
No, the AERC is an impartial third-party throughout the complaint-taking and investigative process.
What happens if the AERC finds substantial evidence of discrimination?
If there is a determination of substantial evidence of discrimination, the AERC will engage in a conciliation process with the parties, whereby staff will propose remedies and negotiate terms that aim to provide “make whole" relief for Complainant. This is any relief that is reasonably calculated to put Complainant back in a position as if the discrimination had not occurred, and to eliminate the discriminatory practice or policy.
How can I learn more about the AERC or anti-discrimination laws?
Please fill out our online Outreach Questionnaire, and we will respond to your inquiry within two business days.