Human Rights Office & Staff
Enforcement of Alexandria's Human Rights Code is the responsibility of the Office of Human Rights. To this end, the Office of Human Rights performs various important functions, including:
- Handling Discrimination Claims
Employment Discrimination
The Office serves as the local EEO office and receives, investigates, makes findings and conciliates complaints of discrimination brought under the Ordinance and applicable federal laws, which arise out of employment relationships within the City of Alexandria.
The Office was designated in 1975 as a Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA), and has been under contract with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) since 1978 to receive and investigate complaints brought under applicable federal laws.
Discrimination in Housing and Commercial Real Estate, Public Accommodations, Health and Social Services, Education, City Contracts, and Credit
Discrimination in Housing and Commercial Real Estate, Public Accommodations, Health and Social Services, Education, City Contracts, and Credit
The Office also handles claims brought under the City Code in the above-mentioned areas. For more information about whether you are subject to the Human Rights Code as an employer, housing provider, or business, click here.
- Staffing the Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Administrator serves as the staff liaison to the Human Rights Commission and works closely with the Commission in implementing and carrying out its programs. The Office provides the Commission with resources that enable it to proactively address a wide range of issues that impact residents of, and visitors to, Alexandria.
- Housing the Disability Resources Coordinator
The Office of Human Rights also houses the Disability Resources Coordinator who addresses the rights of persons with disabilities and their advocacy efforts; conducts legal research and analysis and interprets the impact of disability-related laws and rulings on persons with disabilities; educates the public on the Americans with Disabilities Act; and refers persons with disabilities to the appropriate and available community and legal resources at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Housing the Affirmative Action Officer
The Human Rights Code also provided for the creation of a city-wide Affirmative Action Employment Program. The Program, which was originally designed by the Human Rights Commission, is carried out primarily by the City's Affirmative Action Officer (AAO). The AAO works closely with the City Manager to ensure that the City is meeting its goal of recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce.
- Community Outreach and Education
The Office of Human Rights is proud to serve as a community resource by providing information and training about rights and responsibilities under the City Code and other anti-discrimination laws. The Office conducts a wide range of outreach and education initiatives, attempting to foster an open dialogue about important community and human rights issues.
The Office Staff
The Office of Human Rights Staff is comprised of its Director, three full-time investigators, the Disability Rights Coordinator, the Affirmative Action Officer, and an Administrative Assistant. The investigative staff has a wide range of educational and professional experience, and currently includes attorneys and former law enforcement officers. The Office also hires a graduate student intern during the summer months.
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