Discrimination

After a charge of discrimination is filed, the ACRD will begin an investigation of the allegations contained within the charge. An investigation may include conducting interviews, obtaining documents, and doing site visits.  Generally, after investigation, the ACRD will determine either that no unlawful discriminatory practice or act has occurred or that there is reasonable cause to believe that an unlawful discriminatory practice or act has occurred.

If, after an investigation, the ACRD determines that no unlawful discriminatory practice or act has occurred, the ACRD will notify the parties in writing of this fact.  On the other hand if, after an investigation, the ACRD determines there is reasonable cause to believe that an unlawful discriminatory practice or act has occurred, the ACRD may bring a civil action. Whether the ACRD investigation concludes that an unlawful discriminatory practice or act has occurred or has not occurred, private parties retain the right to bring their own civil action within the time limitations specified by law.

The following are generally PROTECTED areas from discrimination under Arizona State Law. Areas NOT PROTECTED are listed at the end of this page.

Employment
Housing
Public Accommodation
Voting

TIME LIMITS TO FILE WITH THE CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION

If a person thinks they have been discriminated against, they must file their complaint with the Civil Rights Division within these time periods after the event occurs.

  Within
Employment 180 days
Housing 12 months
Public Acommodation 180 days
Voting 80 days

Employment Discrimination

The following Categories are protected:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin
  • Sex
  • Religion/Creed
  • Age (40 years or older)
  • Physical/mental disability
  • Pregnancy
  • Retaliation

Discrimination in Employment Poster
Employment Discrimination Brochure

Examples of employment allegations:

  • Failing or refusing to hire or discharging individuals
  • Providing different pay, benefits or other terms and conditions of employment
  • Segregating jobs or work sites
  • Sexual harassment
  • Engaging in or tolerating harassment because of race, color, national origin, religion, age or disability
  • Pregnancy Discrimination
  • Failing to provide a reasonable accommodation for disabled persons
  • Treating people differently because they have complained about discrimination
  • Treating an individual less favorably because of the results of genetic testing

Housing Discrimination

The following Categories are protected:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin
  • Sex
  • Religion/Creed
  • Physical/Mental disability
  • Retaliation
  • Familial status (children under age 18)

Hopes, Dreams and Fair Housing Poster(en Español)
Tenant’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

Examples of housing allegations:

  • Refusing to show, rent or sell
  • Refusing to negotiate
  • Charging more to buy, rent or asking for a larger security deposit
  • Advising that the property is no longer for sale or rent when it really is
  • Advertising that they want a certain type of person to buy or rent
  • Denying access or use of the facility or service that is normally available with occupancy
  • Telling owners or renters to move because the neighborhood is being integrated
  • Suggesting you move to an area where you don’t want to live
  • Allowing unlawful bias to affect the appraisal of a property
  • Refusing to allow disability accommodations for an assistive aide, assistive animal, parking or physical modifications

Public Accomodation Discrimination

The following categories are protected:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin/Ancestry
  • Sex
  • Religion/Creed
  • Physical/Mental disability
  • Retaliation Examples of public accommodation allegations:
  • Failure to allow entrance
  • Inability to enter due to barriers
  • Treated differently in places of public accommodation
    • Places of Public Accommodation include:
      • Restaurants
      • Banks
      • Hotels or Motels
      • Museums + Parks
      • Day care centers
      • Health clubs
      • Grocery and department stores
      • Theaters
      • Medical or dental offices or health care facilities

Voting Discrimination

The following categories are protected:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Ancestry/National origin
  • Disability

Examples of Voting Allegations:

  • Denying an individual the opportunity to register to vote
  • Imposing on any person literacy or other test as condition for voting
  • In some circumstances, failing to provide a ballot or voting information in a language other than English
  • Denying an individual the right to vote

The following are generally NOT PROTECTED areas from discrimination under Arizona State Law:

  • Personal Appearance
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Political Affiliation
  • Education/training (lack of)
  • Short-term disabilities or injuries
  • Personality Conflicts