US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Boston, MA

Enforcing Federal Laws Against Discrimination

Agency Overview

The Boston Area Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is located within the John F. Kennedy Federal Building. This federal agency is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. The Boston office serves Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

• Filing Charges: Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against can file a charge of discrimination here.
• Mediation: The office offers alternative dispute resolution processes to settle charges without an investigation.
• Investigation: Federal investigators review claims to determine if there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred.

Location and Security

Because the office is housed in the JFK Federal Building, visitors must anticipate strict security protocols. Access requires passing through metal detectors and having bags x-rayed. Valid government-issued photo identification is mandatory for entry. Electronics may be screened, and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on federal property.

Appointments

While the EEOC has a digital portal for initiating inquiries, in-person visits typically require an appointment scheduled through the Public Portal. Walk-in service availability is limited and subject to change, so scheduling ahead is strongly recommended.