Jurisdiction:
Area of Law:
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
HAVE YOU BEEN DISCRIMINATED AGAINST?
Watch a public service announcement from the MCAD.
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination is the state's chief civil rights agency. The Commission works to eliminate discrimination on a variety of bases and areas, and strives to advance the civil rights of the people of the Commonwealth through law enforcement, outreach and training. For a complete list of protected classes in the Areas of Discrimination.
HOW DOES THE MCAD PROCESS WORK?
Practical Guide to the Complaint Process at the MCAD
A charge of discrimination must be filed in person at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) offices. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you should go to the MCAD immediately to file a complaint. In all but a few exceptions, the MCAD cannot accept complaints based on incidents over 300 days old.
MEETINGS AND HEARINGS
Monthly Commissioners' Meetings
TRAINING
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) provides training to the public, including:
- Supervisors and Managers
- Attorneys
- Housing Providers
- Community Groups
- Employees
- Human Resource Professionals
- Realtors
- Tenants and Home Buyers
MCAD workplace-based training for employees, supervisors, and managers is provided to employers. Training sessions range from two hours to four days, depending on the topics covered. All training programs include a number of interactive exercises, such as case studies, role plays, and quizzes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is discrimination?
- How do I file a complaint?
- How does the MCAD help me?
- How do I train employees?
- What training sessions are employers required to provide?
More Frequently Asked Questions
HOURS & LOCATIONS
As part of the MCAD's
cost-saving measures,
the walk-in hours to file a discrimination complaint in our Boston office have been reduced by one hour. Complainants are asked to arrive before 4 pm to allow sufficient time to file their complaint. To check walk-in hours for our Springfield and Worcester offices, please click on the office location below.
Hours: 8:45 am - 4:00 pm
Boston Office
(617) 994-6000
(617) 994-6024 (Fax)
Springfield Office
(413) 739-2145
(413) 784-1056 (Fax)
Worcester Office
(508) 799-8010
(508) 799-8490 (Fax)
New Bedford Office
(508) 990-2390
(508) 990-4260 (Fax)