Prince William County Government
Human Rights Commission

HISTORY AND PURPOSE

Prince William County, located in Northern Virginia, is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Its proximity to the nation's capital has, according to the 1990 Census, attracted approximately 216,000 people to its 355 square miles.

Two decades ago Prince William County was populated mostly by Caucasians of Western European background. Since 1980, the African-American population has shown a 110% increase. This is the greatest percentage increase of African Americans in any Northern Virginia jurisdiction. During the same period the Hispanic population has grown by 195%. Outpacing any other minority group in the past decade is the influx of Asian and Pacific Islanders with a 215% increase. These figures clearly indicate that Prince William is developing a diverse population.

In 1991 the Prince William County Board of Supervisors authorized the creation of a Human Rights Study Committee to examine the need for a human rights commission based on growing diversity, population needs and resources. After several meetings and public hearings, the Study Committee determined that a need for a Hurnan Rights Ordinance and an agency to enforce it existed. The Human Rights Ordinance would prohibit discriminatory practices based on race, color, sex' national origin, religion, age, marital status or disability, in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit, in Prince William County. In September 1992 the Bo&d of County Supervisors established, a Human Rights Ordinance, which created the Human Rights Commission to ensure that "each citizen is treated fairly, provided equal protection of the law and equal opportunity to participate in the benefits, rights, and privileges of community life."

On January 15, 1993, the Human Rights Ordinance became effective and the Commission Office opened to provide services Residents are encouraged to use its services if they feel their rights are being violated.

STATUTES AND ORDINANCES

The Prince William County Human Rights Commission (PWCHRC) was created by County Ordinance Chapter 10.1, Human Rights Ordinance, effective January 15, 1993. The Ordinance was signed by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors Septenter 1, 1992. The Ordinance prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability or marital status in employment, housing, credit, public accommodation and education.

There are state and federal anti-discrimination laws that precede this Ordinance and support both the spirit and letter of the law. Federal laws such as the Civil Rights Acts of 1866, 1871 and 1957, as amended, The Equal Pay Act of 1960 as amended, The Civil Rights Acts of 1964, 1968 and 1991 as amended, The Age Discrilnination in Employment Act of 1967 and 1975 as amended, the Education Amend- ments of 1972-Title Ix as amended, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Civil Rights Restoration Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act reinforce that citizens in this country have the right to work and live without discrimination. Anti-discrimination laws are enforced by the courts and various municipal, state and federal agencies.

While there is some concurrent jurisdiction among these agencies and the commission, local assistance is more readily available through our office. Resolutions begin with you. If you believe you have been discritninated against, contact our office. If your problem is not within the jurisdiction of this office, we will help you find the appropriate assistance.

DID YOU KNOW?

If you believe you have been discriminated against:

• Contact the Human Rights Commission office in person, by phone or letter
• An Investigator will interview you or your representative concerning your situation.
• A charge will be drafted for your signature if your problem is within the jurisdiction of this office.
• A response, relevant information and documents are requested from the Respondent
• The response is analyzed and reviewed with you. If more information is needed, it may be requested from Respondent, wimesses, records or any other sources available.
• A determination, based on the evidence, will be made as to whether there is probable cause to believe discrimination occurred. If there is cause to believe discrimination occurred an appropriate remedy will be obtained.
• Investigators are available Monday-Friday 8:30 - 5:00 p.m. to provide details about the process and answer your questions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions most frequently asked by members of the public who contact Prince William County Human Rights Commission.

1. Q. Am I protected from discrimination under existing County laws?
   A. Under Prince Williarn County Ordinance Chapter 10.1, Hurnan Rights, all persons living or working in Prince William County are protected from any conduct that violates any Virginia or Federal law or regulation regarding discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability when the action occurs in Prince William County. Any such conduct shall be considered an unlawfiil discriminatory practice.
   
   
2. Q. How do I file a complaint?
   A. Contact a PWCHRC Investigator by phone, by letter or in person. He or she will explain the procedures and assist you with the initial process.
   
   
3. Q. What happens If I prevail in my complaint?
   A. Under existing laws, you are entitled to recover benefits compensation, opportunities and privileges that were denied, taken or otherwise lost as a result of discrimination. In some instances, this may include compensatory (money) and punitive damages.
   
   
4. Q. Do I need a lawyer?
   A. Obtaining legal counsel is not necessary at this step of the process. However, you may do so, at your own expense at any stage of the process
   
   
5. Q. How long does the process take?
   A. The time it takes from intake to resolution will vary for each complaint, depending on its complexity and the issues involved.
   
   
6. Q. Am I protected from retaliation or reprisal by a Respondent?
   A. Yes, It is unlawful for a Respondent to retaliate against a person for filing or assisting in the investigation of a complaint.