Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation
What Does Discrimination Look Like in Places of Public Accommodation?
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission investigates cases that allege discrimination has occurred in a place of public accommodation within the State of Ohio. In order to file a charge of discrimination for this reason, the act of discrimination must have occurred no more than six (6) months prior to the date of filing a charge of discrimination.
A place of public accommodation is a place that offers accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges that are available to the public. An example of a place of public accommodation would include, but is not limited to, supermarkets, movie theaters, hotels, and amusement parks. Patrons/guests are entitled to receive the full enjoyment of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of the place of public accommodation. Examples of discrimination in places of public accommodation would include, but are not limited to, the denial of service, difference in service, and denial of access.
Can I File a Charge Of Discrimination?
To determine if your issue can be investigated by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, please answer the following questions:
- Were you subjected to a difference in treatment that was not to your benefit as compared to other members of the public? Were you treated differently than other members of the public?
- Did the act of discrimination happen within six (6) months from the date you are filing the charge?
- Do you think the action taken is related to your race, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, age (40 years or older), military status or in retaliation for engaging in a protected activity (protesting discrimination)?
If you answered yes to all three questions above, you can file a charge of discrimination with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. If you did not answer yes to all three, you can still file a charge and the Commission will determine if the matter is jurisdictional and will proceed accordingly.
*Charges are not considered officially filed until they are properly signed, notarized, and received by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
Click here to file a Charge of Public Accommodation Discrimination online