Release Waivers to receive severance

I would like to know if the employer I work for can have me sign a release waiver to get my severance pay. The plant is closing down and moving operatons to other facilities. The company wants everyone to sign the waiver to release them from possible litigation. I understand this is common practice to do this, however, I already had pending charges of racial and sexual discrimination filed with the EEOC office in Nebraska.

I was told this may be in violation of my civil rights since the charges were already pending.

My question is: Can I sign the waiver and still pursue the charges against the company? Thank you