The following state and federal resources oversee the enforcement of non-discrimination laws and executive orders. These agencies may provide additional assistance or information about discrimination and harassment as outlined in JMU policy.
State Resources
Virginia Department of Human Resource Management oversees Virginia’s commitment to fair and equitable employment for Virginia state employees.
Within the DHRM, the Office of Equal Employment Services (OEES) enforces state employment laws. Individuals seeking confidential advice on discrimination issues may call the OEES at (800) 533-1414 or (804) 225-2136 to speak with a State EEO Specialist between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The Specialist will:
- Listen to your concerns.
- Explain the relevant employment laws and state policies.
- Advise you on your options for resolving your concerns.
- Refer you to other state and federal agencies for assistance, if necessary.
- Explain how to file a complaint with OEES.
Also in the DHRM, the Office of Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) provides state agencies and their employees with a broad range of workplace dispute resolution tools that assure solutions to workplace conflict consistent with the Commonwealth's human resource policies and related law. EDR provides impartial services to assist in the resolution of workplace disputes. Services include mediation, conflict coaching, training, AdviceLine and grievance procedures.
EDR AdviceLine: For an objective, confidential consultation on employment rights and responsibilities as well as available options in resolving workplace conflict, Virginia state government employees, managers and human resource personnel may contact an EDR AdviceLine Consultant at 1-888-23ADVICE (1-888-232-3842).
Virginia Division of Human Rights – Any employee in the state of Virginia who believes that they have been discriminated against at work because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information may file a complaint with the DHR. The DHR participates in a work-share agreement with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate and make determinations with regard to alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related civil rights laws.
Federal Resources
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an independent federal agency that promotes equal opportunity in employment through administrative and judicial enforcement of federal civil rights laws and through education and technical assistance. Applicants and employees of most private employers, state and local governments, educational institutions, employment agencies and labor organizations may be assisted by the EEOC. The EEOC local office serving the Shenandoah Valley is located in Richmond: 1-800-669-4000.
Office for Civil Rights - U.S. Department of Education: The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the Department of Education (ED).
Civil Rights Division – U.S. Department of Justice: The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all persons.
U.S. Department of Labor: The mission of the DoL is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.
