Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Equal Rights Center?

The Equal Rights Center is a comprehensive, not-for-profit, civil rights organization. Its vision is to advance fairness and equality in housing, employment and public accommodations. Its mission is dedicated to identifying, challenging and eliminating illegal discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and government services through education, research, testing, counseling, enforcement and advocacy.

The ERC began in 1983 as the Fair Housing Council of Greater Washington. Merging with the Fair Employment Council of Greater Washington in 1999, the organization became the Equal Rights Center. In 2005, the ERC again expanded, merged with the Disability Rights Council.

The ERC’s initiatives are designed to ensure greater compliance with federal, state and local civil rights laws. The ERC stands in opposition to discrimination not only because it is illegal, but also because it is immoral.

Please check out About Us for more information.

What can the ERC do for an individual?

The ERC receives, investigates, and analyzes complaints of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status,disability and any other type of protection provided by civil rights laws.The ERC counsels victims of discrimination and advocates for them. The ERC may also refer them to civil rights attorneys and enforcement offices within an appropriate government agency, and even join the victims in legal action against a respondent or defendant.

How do I file a complaint with the ERC?

To file a complaint, please call the ERC at (202) 234-3062 between the hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you cannot call within normal business hours, leave a message in the general telephone mailbox and your call will be returned by the appropriate staff member as quickly as possible. You may also write to the ERC at: 11 Dupont Circle N.W., Suite 450 Washington, D.C. 20036; or send an e-mail to info@equalrightscenter.org.

What is testing? How do I become a tester?

Testing is an investigative technique to uncover and document the existence of discriminatory conduct. For information on fighting discrimination by becoming a tester, please see Testing.

I don’t think I’ve been discriminated against, but I still need help. Where can I go?

Check out the extensive listing of other helpful organizations in the Links and Resources section.

Preguntas Hechas Frecuentemente

File a Complaint Become a Tester Metro Access Complaint Log