Due to the state of emergency declared in Massachusetts related to the COVID-19 virus, the MCAD is initiating temporary emergency changes to its processes and procedures as outlined below. Please check back here for updates and developments relative to the MCAD.
This page, MCAD COVID-19 Information & Resource Center, is
offered by
Guide MCAD COVID-19 Information & Resource Center
Table of Contents
Suspension of In-Person Services
MCAD Offices are closed to the public until further notice.
Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) has closed its offices to the public for the safety of our staff and our communities. The MCAD continues to provide services to the public through alternative means outlined herein. Due to longer processing times for postal mail, the agency encourages attorneys and participants to communicate with the MCAD by e-mail and phone.
This page was last updated 5/18/2020 at 5:00 PM
How to File a Complaint During State of Emergency
For individuals who do not have an attorney
If you want to file a complaint during the COVID-19 Health Crisis and you do not have an attorney, please call one of our offices listed here. Your call will be returned by one of our staff members between the hours of 9 am - 4 pm
- Boston Office - (617) 994-6000
- New Bedford office - (774) 570-5801
- Worcester office - (508) 453-9630
- Springfield office - (413) 739-2145
Filing a Complaint by an Attorney or Duly Authorized Representative
If you are an attorney or Duly Authorized Representative (DAR) filing a Complaint on behalf of an individual, please contact the MCAD for filing instructions at mcad@mass.gov.
- See MCAD's Guidance for Out-of-State Attorneys.
Notice: The MCAD staff may return your call from a blocked or private number.
Temporary Emergency Processes and Procedures
Electronic Service
Beginning the week of April 6, 2020, the Commission will begin electronic service, where practicable, of certain notifications, including but not limited to: Serving Complaints of Discrimination, and Issuing Dismissals, Orders, Investigative Findings (Determinations), Hearing Decisions, Full Commission Decisions, and scheduling letters.
MCAD Proceedings Being Held by Telephone
Many of the agency’s proceedings may proceed via telephone, such as investigative conferences, mediations, conciliations, preliminary hearings (LOPC Appeals), status conferences and pre-hearing conferences. We will continue to conduct these proceedings, as practicable, by telephone.
Public Hearings are Postponed Until Further Notice
Public Hearings are conducted in person. All Public Hearings have been canceled and the MCAD expects to reschedule public hearings for when the Commission can safely conduct public hearings in person.
How to Submit a Request for Tolling and Extensions
The MCAD Commissioners are keenly aware that not everyone may have the ability to file a Complaint during this crisis, and employers and businesses may not be fully functioning and may need additional time to respond to complaints.
Please note that extending a filing deadline (tolling) and granting a motion requesting an extension will be determined on a case-by-case basis through each individual Investigating Commissioner.
To submit a motion, please email a PDF of your motion to the investigator or staff member assigned to your case. If you do not know the person assigned to your investigation, please email mcad@mass.gov.
Resources for Businesses and Employers
Replying to a Complaint
If you have been served with an MCAD Complaint, you must reply to the allegations in the form of a written "Position Statement" that must be filed with the MCAD via email and served on the Complainant via email.
How to File an Electronic Position Statement
In the Subject Line of your email, you must include your docket number, party names, and the first and last name of the MCAD Investigator assigned to your case.
Boston cases: bospositionstmts@state.ma.us
Springfield cases: sprpositionstmts@state.ma.us
Worcester cases: worpositionstmts@state.ma.us
New Bedford cases: bospositionstmts@state.ma.us
The Position Statement email addresses only accept position statements and position statement attachments. Please do not send any other documents or requests to this email address as those communications will not be reviewed or responded to.
If you need to send other documents or have an inquiry relative to your case, please contact the MCAD investigator assigned to your case directly.
Register for Anti-Discrimination Training
For more information about anti-discrimination training for managers and staff, contact the MCAD training unit at Assistant, training.assistant@mass.gov
Key Actions for Resources for Businesses and Employers
General Contact Information
If you want to file a complaint and you do not have an attorney, please call one of our offices listed here. Your call will be returned by one of our staff members between the hours of 9 am - 4 pm
Boston Office - (617) 994-6000
New Bedford office - (774) 570-5801
Worcester office - (508) 453-9630
Springfield office - (413) 739-2145
Language Access Line - (617) 994-6071
TTY - (617) 994-6196
Division Contact Information
Chief of Investigations
Heather Hall heather.hall@mass.gov
General Counsel
Constance McGrane connie.mcgrane@mass.gov
Clerk of the Commission
Myrna Solod myrna.solod@mass.gov
Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Michael Zeytoonian michael.zeytoonian@mass.gov
Director of Training, Recruitment and Legislation
Jeremy Scheiner jeremy.scheiner@mass.gov
Executive Assistant to the Commissioners
H Harrison h.harrison@mass.gov
Public Records Requests
Theresa Lepore cadrao@mass.gov
ADA Coordinator
Mike Memmolo michael.memmolo@mass.gov
Key Actions for Division Contact Information
Image credits:
CDC