FREQUENTLY ASKED EEO QUESTIONS

What is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint?
An EEO complaint alleges workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of the City of Sacramento’s EEO policy or in violation of federal, state, or local EEO laws.
What types of EEO complaints does the City of Sacramento EEO Office handle?
The City of Sacramento EEO Office handles complaints alleging that the City of Sacramento’s Equal Opportunity Policy has been violated. Most often, those complaints are submitted by people who work for the City of Sacramento, but complaints can also be submitted by members of the public, people whose employer has a contract with the City of Sacramento, or others when the alleged violation has some connection to the City of Sacramento. The City of Sacramento EEO Office does not handle complaints where there is no connection to the City of Sacramento. For example, the City of Sacramento EEO Office would not have jurisdiction over a complaint filed by someone who works for a private company that is located in Sacramento but not affiliated with the City.
What are the protected categories?
The City of Sacramento EEO Policy includes the following protected classes: • Age (over 40) • Ancestry • Color • Disability • Gender • Gender Expression • Gender Identity • Genetic Information • Marital Status • Medical Condition • Military or Veteran Status • National Origin • Race • Religious Creed • Retaliation for EEO-Protected Activity • Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and any related medical conditions) • Sexual orientation
What should I do if I believe I am a victim of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation?
If you believe that you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, please report the conduct as soon as possible. You can report the conduct to the EEO Office, submit an online Charge of Discrimination Form, contact Human Resources, or report the conduct to a manager or supervisor. The EEO Office can be reached at: Historic City Hall 916 I Street, First Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 808-5825
How can I report discrimination, harassment, or retaliation?
Report discrimination, harassment, and retaliation as soon as possible. You can report the matter to the EEO Office, submit an online Charge of Discrimination Form, contact Human Resources, or report the conduct to a manager or supervisor. The EEO Office can be reached at: Historic City Hall 916 I Street, First Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 808-5825
What happens after I report a potential EEO issue?
The EEO Office will determine if it has jurisdiction to investigate the allegation. If so, it will interview witnesses, review documents, and make a conclusion whether it is more likely than not that there is a violation of the City’s EEO policy. If there is a violation of the EEO policy, corrective action will be taken against the perpetrating employee(s).
Are employees assured that their allegations will be completely confidential?
The City cannot promise complete confidentiality. However, EEO complaints are processed as confidentially as possible to conduct a full investigation and to carry out due process.
Can I share any information regarding the EEO allegations?
No. EEO allegations and investigations are confidential to the extent possible.
Will the Complainant receive the results of the investigation?
The Complainant will be notified at the end of the investigation as to whether there was a finding of violation of the City's EEO policy.
Will the Complainant be notified of the corrective action taken against the Respondent?
No. The Complainant will not be privy to the discipline imposed because of confidentiality.
Are managers or supervisors required to report EEO issues?
Yes! Managers and supervisors are required to notify Human Resources in writing of the circumstances surrounding any reported allegations or observed acts of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation as soon as possible and no later than the next business day. Managers and supervisors can contact the EEO Office directly to report EEO concerns.
If an employee reports an EEO matter to a manager or supervisor but asks the manager or supervisor not report it, can the manager or supervisor honor the employees request?
No. Honoring such requests could place other employees at risk of harassment or discrimination as well as place the City at risk for failing to take prompt action. The City’s EEO Policy requires managers and supervisors to notify Human Resources in writing of the circumstances surrounding any reported allegations or observed acts of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation as soon as possible and no later than the next business day.
If I report an EEO matter but ask the City to not investigate, will it honor my request?
No. Honoring such requests could place employees at risk of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation as well as place the City at risk for failing to take prompt action. Some people worry about the risk of retaliation after reporting an EEO matter. Retaliation is prohibited. If you experience retaliation for reporting an EEO matter, please report the retaliation as soon as possible. You can report the conduct to the EEO Office, submit an online Charge of Discrimination Form, contact Human Resources, or report the conduct to a manager or supervisor.
What if the person alleged to have violated the City’s EEO Policy is not a City employee?
The City is required to provide a work environment free of harassment; thus, it must take any action within its authority to stop the harassing behavior even if the person alleged to have committed the conduct is not an employee.
How can I help prevent discrimination, harassment, or retaliation from occurring?
• Know the EEO policy. • Complete mandatory EEO training on time. • Be professional. • Report potential EEO issues to the EEO Office, any manager or supervisor, or Human Resources as soon as possible.
How often do employees need to complete EEO training?
All employees must complete mandatory EEO training when they are hired and then again every two years thereafter.
Do I need to complete an EEO complaint form to start an investigation?
No. The City will consider any report (oral or written) of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation to be deserving of investigation.
Are there other options if I want to file a discrimination, harassment, or retaliation complaint?
Yes. Such complaints may also be filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Contact these agencies for filing requirements and deadlines.
What if I am not sure if the issue is EEO related?
Please contact EEO Manager Molly Owens at (916) 808-5825 or mowens@cityofsacramento.org or EEO Specialist Brittany Phillips at (916) 808-7728 or bphillips@cityofsacramento.org to discuss.