[header] How to file a civil rights complaint [title] Determine if you must file a complaint with an agency first. [step] Some civil rights laws require you to exhaust all administrative options before you can initiate a lawsuit. [substeps] For example, if you believe you were a victim of housing discrimination, you must file a complaint with the department of housing and urban development. 
Nearly all civil rights complaints involving employment must be filed first with the equal employment opportunity commission. The complaint must be filed within 180 days of the date of the incident if you wish to preserve your right to sue.