§ 297. Procedure. 1. Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an
unlawful discriminatory practice may, by himself or herself or his or
her attorney-at-law, make, sign and file with the division a complaint
in writing under oath or by declaration which shall state the name and
address of the person alleged to have committed the unlawful
discriminatory practice complained of and which shall set forth the
particulars thereof and contain such other information as may be
required by the division. The commissioner of labor or the attorney
general, or the executive director of the justice center for the
protection of people with special needs, or the division on its own
motion may, in like manner, make, sign and file such complaint. In
connection with the filing of such complaint, the attorney general is
authorized to take proof, issue subpoenas and administer oaths in the
manner provided in the civil practice law and rules. Any employer whose
employees, or some of them, refuse or threaten to refuse to cooperate
with the provisions of this article, may file with the division a
verified complaint asking for assistance by conciliation or other
remedial action.