At their April 27 meeting, Asheville City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance prohibiting discriminatory practices which prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations within the City of Asheville based on upon any of the following: race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability.
The Nondiscrimination Ordinance went into effect July 1. Here’s how the ordinance will be implemented.
The Office of Equity and Inclusion will conduct an investigation into the alleged conduct. Complaints will be addressed through education, mediation, and conciliation. If these efforts are unsuccessful, $100 civil penalties may be levied. There will be no criminal penalties.
While the Office of Equity and Inclusion is experiencing staffing shortage, the City’s Legal Department will step in to fill the role of receiving and addressing complaints.
Complaints of a discriminatory practice and answers or responses to complaints may be filed online, in person, or by mail with the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Find online forms on the City’s website.
File or respond in person — Office of Equity and Inclusion, 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801.
File or respond by mail — Office of Equity and Inclusion, PO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802.
For questions, please call 828-232-4517 or email oei@ashevillenc.gov.
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