Frequently Asked Questions
Discrimination Complaints General Information
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is a discrimination complaint?

A discrimination complaint is a complaint submitted by a person (or their representative) when they believe that they have been discriminated against on the bases of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, familial status, national origin or age.

In order to be protected by the Non-discrimination Ordinance, a discrimination complaint must be in the areas of city employment, city contracts and subcontracts, appointments to Boards and Commissions, housing or public accommodation.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is the non-discrimination ordinance (NDO)?

On September 5, 2013, City Council adopted the Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO) which consolidated the City’s non-discrimination policies in the City Code.

The NDO applies to city employment, city contracts and subcontracts, appointments to Boards and Commissions, housing, and places of public accommodation and prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, familial status, national origin or age.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What are protected classes?

Protected classes are characteristics of people which cannot be targeted for discrimination. There are 11 protected classes in the non-discrimination ordinance: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, familial status, national origin or age.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What are “places of public accommodation”?

A place of public accommodation is any business that is open to the general public and sells a product, service or facility. Examples are hotels, restaurants, bars and movie theaters.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Who can help me with a complaint that is not related to discrimination?

If your complaint is not discrimination related you may contact 311 City Services by phone or email.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What can I do as an employer to ensure that I am in compliance with the NDO?

Familiarize yourself with the NDO by thoroughly reading the overview and the FAQ sections and submit any follow-up questions you have to Office of Equity by phone (210.207.8911) or email.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How can I submit a discrimination complaint?

Individuals may submit a complaint online by mail, or in person at the City Clerk’s Office.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  I represent a company that has a contract with the City. What can I do to ensure that I am in compliance with the NDO?

Familiarize yourself with the NDO by thoroughly reading the overview and the FAQ sections and submit any follow-up questions to Office of Equity by phone at 210.207.8911 or email.




Before Submitting Discrimination Complaint
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How can I find out if the employer that discriminated against me has a contract with the City?

You may contact the Office by phone at 210.207.8911 or by email.

You may also file an open records request.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  I am employed by a company that does not have a contract with the City of San Antonio. Am I protected against discrimination under the NDO?

No.

Further resources are also available to your through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  I represent a religious organization that prefers to hire people who share the same religion. Is this discrimination?

No. The NDO allows religious organizations—whose purpose and character are primarily religious—to show a preference in employment based upon religion.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  I represent a church that leases its space for events and meetings. Am I required to lease to all people regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, familial status, national origin or age?

No. The NDO does not require a church or other non-profit to lease its accommodations to groups covered by the ordinance when the profits of such accommodations are solely for the benefit of the church.




After Submitting Discrimination Complaint
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  I have just submitted a discrimination complaint. Now what?

For step-by-step information visit After a Complaint is Submitted.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Will my discrimination complaint and name be kept confidential?

The Office of Equity will maintain the confidentiality of your name and discrimination complaint to the best of their ability; however, the City cannot guarantee the information will remain confidential. The Texas Public Information Act allows the public release of any information held by the City of San Antonio. Your name and discrimination complaint may be made public if the City of San Antonio receives a request for the information.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How long will it take to resolve my discrimination complaint?

The time required to resolve a discrimination complaint varies by the nature of the complaint. The Office of Equity will serve as your point of contact throughout the process and work to ensure timely resolution of each complaint.

Visit After a Complaint is Submitted for more information and obtain a status of your complaint by calling (210.207.8911) or emailing the Office of Equity.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Why might my complaint not be considered for investigation?

Your complaint may not be considered for investigation due to various reasons. For example, if you were discriminated against outside of the San Antonio city limits, the Office of Equity will not be able to investigate your complaint. If you have questions about whether your complaint will qualify as a discrimination based complaint, please contact the Office of Equity at 210.207.8911 or email.