What legal action can a plaintiff take if the EEOC decides not to sue after a discrimination claim?

When the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) decides not to pursue a lawsuit after a discrimination claim, the plaintiff has the right to bring a lawsuit on their own behalf against the employer. This legal action is significant because it empowers individuals to seek justice and remedies for their grievances in a court of law if they believe they have been subjected to discriminatory practices.

The plaintiff may opt to file a lawsuit under various federal or state laws that protect against discrimination, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or applicable state human rights statutes. This step is crucial, as it provides the plaintiff an opportunity to present their case before a judge or jury, where they can seek damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and other remedies that may alleviate the impact of the discrimination experienced.

The other options offered, such as filing a complaint with the state or refiling with the EEOC, do not grant the same direct opportunity for legal recourse as initiating a lawsuit. Additionally, choosing to take no action does not serve the plaintiff’s interest in pursuing justice for the alleged discrimination faced. Thus, bringing a lawsuit is the correct and most empowering course of action for the plaintiff in this context.