A.C. v. MARYLAND COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS, et al.
Court of Special Appeals of Maryland, Berger, April 28, 2017,
EEOC- A complainant who has their petition denied by the EEOC/MD-Commission cannot directly “appeal” the agency’s decision to circuit court

Facts:
In 2012, AC was fired from her job as an Assistant Attorney General. AC challenged the termination, claiming race discrimination. The case eventually went before the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, which found no probable cause that discrimination occurred. AC then complained to the EEOC, which upheld the commission’s finding. AC then filed a petition for review in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. The Circuit Court dismissed the complaint, since the commission finding was already reviewed and AC could have filed a lawsuit directly in state or federal court.
AC appealed, claiming that the Circuit Court should have reviewed the agency decisions.

Legal:
Held: The Court disagreed. AC could file a lawsuit directly, but cannot file for an appeal of the agency decision.

EEOC – Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from discrimination in his or her “compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” The EEOC investigates Title VII investigations as well as claims of discrimination on the basis of other protected classes/characteristics

EEOC – When a complaint is filed with the EEOC, the agency investigates and determines whether there is reasonable cause to believe the allegations. If so, the EEOC can pursue the claim. If not, the EEOC issues a “right to sue” letter allowing the complainant to file a private action in federal court.

EEOC – The Maryland Civil Rights Act is similar to Title VII and other federal equal-employment laws. Cases filed under it are reviewed at the state level by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.