What role should the government have in enforcing equal rights for Americans?

Involving civil rights violations and discrimination, one of your options is to file a complaint with the government at the federal or state level, and allow a government agency to take steps to enforce your civil rights. Filing a complaint will usually trigger an investigation into your claims by the agency, and depending on the specifics of your case, the government may take further action on your behalf (i. e. ordering mandatory mediation of the dispute, or charging the offending party in court).

For some types of cases, a claim must be filed with the government before any private lawsuit may be pursued (more on this below). And keep in mind that in most instances involving civil rights violation or discrimination complaints and the government, complaints and claims must be filed within a certain amount of time after the alleged violation.