The determination that there is no reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred, allowing a party to bring private court action, is called what?

• A. No reasonable cause
• B. Lack of evidence
• C. No probable cause
• D. No basis exists

Answer: (A)

In the EEOC process, after investigating a charge of discrimination, the agency decides whether there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred. When the agency determines there is no reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred, that outcome is described as a “no reasonable cause” determination. This finding allows the complainant to file a private lawsuit in court, rather than pursuing further agency action. The term is specific to EEOC procedures; other phrases like “no probable cause” belong to criminal law, and the other choices aren’t the formal EEOC terms used to describe this outcome.