How would the complaint be handled?

Under the ordinance, an 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.

If the complaint is within the jurisdiction of a federal or state agency, the complainant will simply be referred to the appropriate federal or state agency. For example, the City will refer persons with employment complaints to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), and refer persons with housing complaints to the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).

For those complaints that are protected under the ordinance and cannot be referred to another jurisdiction, the City has established a process to investigate the complaint, including notifying the respondent (accused), advising them on their procedural rights and obligations, and allowing them to file a response to the complaint. The City plans to use a contracted third party to conduct the investigation, which may include reviewing statements, conducting interviews, or contacting any witnesses.

If during or after the investigation, it is determined that there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred, the City will attempt to resolve the complaint between the parties through a third-party conciliation process.

Show All Answers

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?