Mississippi (MS) Discrimination Laws in the Workplace

I was surprised to find that Mississippi is not like many other states when it comes to employment discrimination laws in the workplace. They have no laws or state appointed agencies to address most employment discrimination issues. Actually this makes it a bit harder to pursue most discrimination claims in court, which seems to make it a bit easier on employers in the state.

In order to pursue a discrimination case within the state of Mississippi, injured parties must work through the federal government’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); the Mississippi office for this commission is in Jackson and can be contacted by phone, fax, or mail. The Jackson office can be contacted at (601) 965-4537 or TTY: (601) 965-4915.

You should know that you have a time deadline of 180 days from that date of the occurrence to file a claim through this agency and that there are legalities concerning the actual filing. People choosing to seek help through the EEOC should file early to avoid filing mistakes that cause them to go beyond the 90 days and it is recommended that they seek the aid of an attorney who has experience with federal discrimination cases.

If the EEOC does not resolve the case, they will issue one of 2 documents: “Dismissal and Notice of Rights” or “Notice of Right to Sue.” Once either of these forms is received the injured party has only 90 days to file a court case if they choose to further pursue the issue. Mississippi cases filed within this timeframe are generally held in federal court because of the fact that Mississippi does not have their own employment discrimination laws in the workplace. If a case is filed within the state court system, it will usually be removed to federal court.

With so many other states keeping their own employment discrimination laws in the workplace and state-run governing agencies, I wonder when Mississippi will follow suit and create their own system. I also wonder whether Mississippi is careful about making laws that discourage new business. The economic plight of many southern states tends to affect laws concerning business because the states cannot afford to drive any companies away — not when unemployment rates stay so high in many of them.