Potential complainants are welcome to contact the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, as they deem necessary.

Visitors are received by appointment or as a walk-in.

 1. If you feel that you have been discriminated against based on race, color, religion, and national origin, and the complaint originates from one of the following establishments: inns, hotels, motels, restaurants, hospitals, clinics, theaters, concert halls, billiard parlors, barrooms, golf courses, sports arenas, stadiums, or other places of amusement, exhibition, recreation, or entertainment, you may have a complaint subject to the Equal Enjoyment of and Privileges to Public Accommodations Act. 

2. If you feel that you have been discriminated against based on race, color, religion, age (40 and above), sex, national origin, or disability, and the complaint originates from an establishment other than the types listed above, you may be able to file your complaint under Section 1-13-90(e) of the SC Human Affairs Law. 

 3. The statutory limitation for filing a public accommodation complaint with the Commission is 180 days. 

 4. To file a complaint, you should call, write, or come into the office and talk with one of the Intake Investigators. He/she will be able to explain what we do and help to determine if you have a basis for filing a complaint. He/she will give you a Non-Employment Initial Intake Questionnaire (PDF) to complete and return.

 5. When the Intake Department receives your written complaint, it will be reviewed to determine jurisdiction for filing under section 90(e) of the SC Human Affairs Law, and/or the Equal Enjoyment and Privileges to Public Accommodations Act.

If jurisdiction is established, a formal Charge of Discrimination will be prepared for you to sign, have notarized, and return to this office. Upon receipt of your complaint, it will be assigned a charge number and served on the Respondent (the party you are filing against). Your charge will be assigned to a conciliator.

 6. The length of time needed to conduct a conciliation depends on the complexity of the complaint, the availability and cooperation of the parties, and the caseload. The average processing time ranges from 60 to 180 days (2 to 6 months).

7. Individuals may also contact the South Carolina Attorney General's office.