Final answer:
An individual has 180 days from the date of an alleged discriminatory act to file a charge with the EEOC. This period can be extended to 300 days in certain circumstances. Timeliness is crucial, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act has helped clarify the starting point for this deadline.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Julie believes she has been discriminated against and would like to file a charge with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), she has a deadline to initiate her claim. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, an individual normally has 180 days from the date of the alleged discriminatory act to file a charge. However, this period may be extended to 300 days if there is a state or local law that provides relief for the alleged discrimination.
The timeframe for filing a charge can be crucial, as seen in the case of Lilly Ledbetter. Initially, the Supreme Court determined that Ledbetter did not file her charge within the statute of limitations, leading to the enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which adjusted the interpretation to allow each discriminatory paycheck to reset the filing deadline. It's important for individuals to be aware of their rights and the appropriate timing to take action to address workplace discrimination.