For the first time in its history, the New York State Division of Human Rights has launched a new call center allowing residents to report discrimination by phone.
New Yorkers can now file a complaint by speaking directly with a trained call center agent by dialing (844) NYS-DHR1 or (844) 697-3471. Agents will assist callers in real time and complete the complaint intake process on their behalf.
This new service aims to reduce paperwork, expand access to live support, and streamline the complaint process. It is part of a broader effort to modernize the Division’s operations and make filing discrimination complaints faster and more accessible for all New Yorkers.
The Division on Monday announced the launch of a new resource for New Yorkers who believe they have experienced discrimination—an intake call center allowing individuals to file reports of discrimination over the phone. The Division’s call center provides a live agent ready to listen to what a New Yorker has experienced, and who will then file a discrimination report form on the caller’s behalf. This will save New Yorkers time by reducing the paperwork burden associated with initiating the complaint process; it will also make filing easier and clearer by providing real-time assistance from a trained professional. Reporting discrimination to the Division of Human Rights is free, and individuals do not need an attorney to submit a report or file a complaint. Plus, the call center representatives are equipped to provide free interpretation services to callers who speak a language other than English.
When someone contacts the Division’s intake call center to report discrimination, they will be connected with a trained agent who will ask the caller to explain what happened and why they believe they were discriminated against. The agent may ask follow-up questions to clarify details and get more information. The agent will document the information shared during this phone call and then process it as a discrimination report—the first step in the agency’s complaint intake procedure. After the discrimination report is filed over the phone, the caller will receive an emailed copy, and another copy will be routed to the Division’s dedicated Intake Unit for further review and to assist individuals in finalizing and filing a formal complaint. Additional details about the Division’s complaint-filing and investigatory processes can be found here.
Improved Online Discrimination Reporting Form
As part of the Division’s effort to modernize and simplify its complaint management process, the agency has also introduced an improved online discrimination reporting form. This new online form is designed to make it easier for New Yorkers to navigate the filing process and submit clear, complete reports of discrimination that can be reviewed by the Division in an efficient manner.
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