Fairfax County, Virginia
Human Rights Policy

Fairfax County Human Rights Commission
A Summary

DISCRIMINATION
It's Against the Law

THE HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE

In July 1974, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the Human Rights Ordinance, establishing the Human Rights Commission:

"to institute an affirmative human rights program of positive efforts to eliminate discrimination and to provide the citizen recourse for discriminatory acts."

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION:

The Commission receives and investigates complaints filed by any person who believes they have been discriminated against in Fairfax County on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, familial status, or disability in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, or credit.

The Commission also provides educational services to employers. the housizig industry and other businesses in Fairfax County on compliance with the various civil rights laws.

Discrimination in Employment:

Employers having four or more employees, employment agencies and labor organizations may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability.

You may be the victim of discrimination in employment if:

• you were denied a job because of your race;
• you are a female working in the same position as a male, but are paid a lower salary;
• a company refused to hire you because you use a wheelchair even though you were the most qualified applicant;
• you were denied a promotion because you are age 40 or older;
• you were terminated from your job because of your pregnancy;
• you were terminated from your job because you protested an act of discrimination.

Discrimination In Housing:

Any person who refuses to sell, lease, or sublease or rent on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability or familial status may be discriminating.

You may be the victim of discrimination in housing if:

• you were denied rental or purchase of housing because of your race;
• you were told that a particular neighborhood is "restricted";
• you were told than an apartment had been rented, yet you continue to see it advertised;
• you have been a victim of a cross-burning, panic selling or blockbusting;
• you were told that no children are allowed.

Discrimination In Public Accommodations:

The Fairfax County Human Rights Ordinance states that no person shall be denied admission to or equal use and enjoyment of a public accommodation because of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status or disability.

You may be a victim of discrimination of public accommodation if:

• you were denied access to a store because of your disability;
• you were charged a higher rate than others because of your national origin;
• you were denied membership in a community swimming pool because of your race.

Discrimination in Credit:

Any lending institution that refuses to furnish credit or other credit related services, or terminates credit because of race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability may be discriminating. You may be a victim of discrimination in credit if:

• you were denied credit because you were not married;
• you are age 40 or older;
• you were charged a higher rate of interest because or your race.

Filing a Complaint:

Any person who believes that he/she has beer discriminated against may file a complaint with the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission.

After the initial contact is made with the complainant:

• a complaint form is prepared and signed by the complainant;
• the respondent is notified of the charge;
• a thorough investigation is conducted to determine the facts.

Settling the Case:

When the investigation is completed, the evidence will be assessed by the Executive Director:

• if there is insufficient evidence to support the claim. the case will be dismissed;
• if the evidence supports the claim, the complainant may receive:
  • back pay,
  • job reinstatement,
  • rental of an apartment,
  • credit for a loan, or
  • a promotion.

If you feel you have been discriminated against write or telephone the following:

Fairfax County Human Rights Commission:
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 318
Fairfax, Virginia 22035-0093

Telephone: (
703) 324-2953
(703) 324-2900 TTY Only
(703) 324-3570 FAX