Combating Post-9/11 Discriminatory Backlash

How to File a Complaint

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, there have been many incidents of discrimination, including hate crimes, against Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, Sikh Americans, South-Asian Americans, and individuals perceived to be of Middle Eastern origin.

The Civil Rights Division urges you to report incidents of discrimination. If you think you or someone you know has been discriminated against, please follow these links for more information about reporting the discrimination.

The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice enforces laws that prohibit discrimination in several areas. These include hate crimes and intimidation and discrimination in employment, education, housing, lending, public accomodations, and voting, among others.

Other Federal Offices also enforce laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, education and modes of transportation, such as airplanes, and investigate hate crimes and intimidation.

State and local agencies may also be able to help you with complaints of discrimination.