>> This is Fairfax County, a place well-known for its
multicultural communities and acceptance of racial and social
diversity. A place where discrimination and bias actions
are not acceptable.
If you think you have faced unlawful discrimination in
housing, employment, private education, credit or public
accommodations, help is available through the Office of
Human Rights and Equity Programs.
>> The mission of the Office of Human Rights and Equity
Programs ensuring Equal Opportunity and promoting
justice diversity and inclusiveness by protecting the
civil rights of all people living and working in Fairfax
County.
We investigate complaints alleging violations of the
Fairfax County's human rights ordinance and manage the
county's fair housing plan. We also administer the county's
Equal employment enforcement ensure the county's compliance
with all federal state and county mandates granting equal
access to all services programs work opportunities.
>> The Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs handles
complaints of the illegal discrimination on the basis of
age 40 years or more in employment, elderly in us.
55 or more in housing, color, childbirth and pregnancy in
employment, disability or handicap familial status in
housing, genetic information in employment, marital status,
military status in housing, national origin, race,
religion, sex, including sexual harassment, gender identity and
sexual orientation source of funds in housing and
retaliation for complaining of discrimination.
>> As of 7/1/2020, the county's human rights ordinance was
amended including protections for individuals facing
discrimination and housing on the basis of their source of
funds,
such as attempting to use the housing choice, voucher or
other subsidy and military status and housing. And in June
of 2022, the Federal Department of Housing and Urban
Development extended the definition of race to include
discrimination based on one's criminal history and applying
for housing. There are also many questions we receive about
the rights of disabled individuals to have support
animals in housing or unlawfully being assessed fees
in ordered for assistance animals to be approved.
Sometimes we are unable to move forward on the complaint
because either the subject matter is not covered by law.
or the complaint is not base on one of the other protected
classes
under the ordinance.
In the cases where we can't proceed complaint, we still
make every effort to connect people with resources that are
helpful to their particular case.
>> If you believe you have been the victim of unlawful
discrimination, you may initiate the screening process
by completing an online questionnaire or by contacting
the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs by phone after
review. If your complaint is covered by law, you can make an
appointment to discuss your concerned with the human rights
specialist.
>> So we like for people to initiate the intake screening
process by filling out the online questionnaire first,
this helps people identify if their complaint is one that the
OHREP may have jurisdiction over its good to know before
someone completes an intake appointment, whether or not we
have jurisdiction to assist them in finding a complaint,
another way is to start the complaint process by calling or
stopping by our office to scheduled an intake
appointment.
So we have set aside Wednesdays and Thursdays from 09:00AM to
02:00PM for a walk in and takes, however, I would
encourage everyone to please call the office ahead of time
in order to schedule an intake appointment just because there
may be changes in the future.
So we offer having in take appointments done via video
conference, such as Microsoft teams in person or via
telephone. We ask people to really be prepared before
beginning the intake screening process. They should have notes
information details about who they are filling against so the
respondent, it could be an individual, an organization an
entity about the time location, details pertinant to the
alleged
incidents of discrimination. That's all information that's
very useful and helpful for the intake process.
>> After your discussion with the human rights specialist,
if appropriate, they can assist you in formulating a complaint
to sign.
>> So during the investigation process, an investigator will
collect documentation and evidence from the parties
involved. So the complainants, the individuals or entities
that are named in the complaint as respondents, we also
typically conduct interviews with the parties involved
following that we provide the complaint an opportunity to
rebut the defense's provided by the respondent. The time it
takes to investigate a complaint can vary. It greatly
depends on the facts of the case. The numbers of
allegations in the complaint as well as offices overall case
load.
>> When the investigation is complete, a final investigative
report is issued outlining whether or not the Office of
Human Rights and Equity programs determine there was
sufficient evidence for a finding of discrimination.
If there is not enough evidence to support the claim, your case
may be dismissed
if the evidence supports the claim you the complainant may
in
some instances received relieved to remedy the type of
discriminatory conduct. You are subject to such as back pay job
reinstatement
approval to rent an apartment and reimbursement of fees
assessed in housing.
>> Acts of discrimination compromise millions of lives
daily. No one should face injustice in any form
if it happens to you. The Office of Human Rights and
Equity programs is here to help for more information. Call
703-324-2953,
Tty, 7, 1, 1, or.
>> Go to Fairfax County dot Gov. Slash human rights