Non-Discrimination Ordinance

On March 22, 2022, the Denton City Council approved the City's first comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance. The ordinance took effect on July 20, 2022. 

Read the ordinance.

Background

The non-discrimination ordinance prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations based on the following protected classes: race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The language in the ordinance generally mirrors language in federal and state non-discrimination laws. The following is provided as a brief overview only.

HousingCannot discriminate in identified housing practices, including the sale and rental of housing. 
Employment Cannot discriminate in identified employment practices, including hiring, discipline, termination, or promotion 
Public Accommodations Cannot discriminate in providing facilities, benefits, services, or goods in a place of public accommodation (establishments open to the general public and, for compensation, offer any product, service, or facility to the general public) 


Filing a Complaint Under the Ordinance

Any individual who claims to have been discriminated against in violation of the ordinance may file a complaint, made under oath or affirmation, on a form prescribed by the City within ninety (90) calendar days after an alleged unlawful practice has occurred. Forms and reporting materials will be available on this page by July 20.

If a complaint is within the jurisdiction of a federal or state agency, the City will refer the complainant to the appropriate agency and take no further action. At this time, all complaints of discrimination related to Housing or Employment on the list of protected classes would be referred to the respective federal or state agency.

Complaint Form and Instructions (español)

Contact Us

  1. Non-Discrimination Ordinance

    Email NDO Staff
    Phone: (940) 349-8307

Past Presentations

Important Documents

  1. April 2022 Letter to Businesses
  2. NDO Complaint Form - English
  3. NDO Complaint Form - español
  4. Non-Discrimination Ordinance
  5. Proceso Integral de la Ordenanza General de No Discriminación (Español)
  1. What does the NDO prohibit?
  2. Are there any exclusions to the ordinance?
  3. What are examples of public accommodations?
  4. Does the NDO apply to restrooms or other similar facilities?
  5. How could a complaint be filed to report discrimination?
  6. How would the complaint be handled?
  7. What if the complaint cannot be referred to another public agency and it is accepted for investigation by the City?
  8. What if the complaint cannot be resolved between the parties? Is there a penalty?
  9. What if there is no reasonable cause found that discrimination occurred?
  10. What are the expectations for confidentiality?
  11. What if provisions of the ordinance are against my sincerely held religious belief(s)?
  12. Are schools included in the NDO?
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