Equality Agency Opens Office In Worcester

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination is re-opening its Central Massachusetts office in January 2008. MCAD, the state agency that enforces state law prohibiting many forms of discrimination in employment, housing, lending, education, and public places, returns to Worcester City Hall, located at 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 for the first time in 16 years. [The MCAD web site lists (508) 799-1871 as the office’s contact number].

This news is significant because MCAD requires all relevant claims of discrimination – including on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, and criminal record – to be filed in person. Currently, persons in Central Massachusetts must trek to Springfield or Boston to seek a vindication of rights protected by MCAD. If nothing else, this revived office provides one more option for claimants. For more information about your rights to be protected against discrimination and retaliation for engaging in protected activity and MCAD’s involvement in these investigating and enforcing the law, go to www.mass.gov/mcad.