Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Read the full Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

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.

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.

Who can help me with a complaint that is not related to discrimination?

If your complaint is not discrimination related you may email 311 Customer Service or call at 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000.

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 to the Civil Rights Office by phone at 210-207-8911 or by emailing the Civil Rights Office.

How can I submit a discrimination complaint?

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

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 the Civil Rights Office by phone at 210-207-8911 or by emailing the Civil Rights Office.

Before Submitting a Discrimination Complaint

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 emailing the Civil Rights Office. You may also file an open records request.

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 you through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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.

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 a Discrimination Complaint

I have just submitted a discrimination complaint. Now what?

For step-by-step information visit Submit a Discrimination Complaint.

Will my discrimination complaint and name be kept confidential?

We 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 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.

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.

Visit After a Complaint is Submitted for more information.

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 Civil Rights Office would 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 Civil Rights Office at 210-207-8911 or by emailing the Civil Rights Office.