Working through local, state, and federal laws can be a daunting task, but our firm can guide you. If it is better for your legal matter to be litigated in Alexandria, Prince William County, Arlington County, Fairfax County, or some other locality in Virginia, the Brown Firm PLLC can help to navigate the local legal system.
Northern Virginia Employment Discrimination Laws
You might already have an understanding of the state and federal legislation that protects employees from discrimination from their employers, co-workers, or business clients. If your job is based in Northern Virginia, local laws may afford you further employment discrimination protections that overlap or expand beyond state and federal anti-discrimination statutes.
In Northern Virginia, the City of Alexandria and the counties of Prince William, Arlington, and Fairfax have enacted their own human rights laws.
Human Rights Code in the City of Alexandria
In 1975, the City of Alexandria passed the Alexandria Human Rights Code, which bans discrimination in the city, credit, education, employment, health, and social services, housing, and public accommodation contracts based on the age, ancestry, color, marital status, national origin, physical handicap, race, religion or sex of an individual.
The Alexandria Human Rights Commission was created under this law to enforce its protections. The agency has the authority to: give the City Council or Manager advice about human rights matters that affect the city, conduct hearings and research, accept and arbitrate formal accusations of unlawful discrimination, and negotiate settlements.
The law was amended in 1988 to protect individuals against discrimination based on sexual orientation and again in 1991 to protect families that include children and individuals with any type of disability. In 1996, it was amended a third time to protect against discrimination in commercial real estate.
Human Rights Ordinance in Prince William County
In 1993, Prince William County enacted a Human Rights Ordinance to ban discrimination against individuals based on their color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, or sex. The Prince William County Human Rights Commission was created under the ordinance to make certain that every citizen: has equal opportunity to share in the advantages, privileges, and rights of community life; receives equal protection of the law; and is treated fairly.
There are nine at-large members of the Human Rights Commission, and the Board of County Supervisors appointed them. If you are a victim of employment discrimination, you could fill out a questionnaire to submit a complaint to the commission.
There are more ways to seek legal resolution for unlawful discrimination than through the aforementioned agencies. Our firm has considerable experience with advising clients through the proper agencies and civil courts when they choose to pursue claims of employment discrimination. Contact us now for a legal consultation.
Human Rights Ordinance in Arlington County
The Human Rights Ordinance in Arlington County makes it illegal for employers to practice discrimination against employees based on their age, color, disability, familial status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
Under the law, the Arlington Human Rights Commission accepts, investigates, and arbitrates formal accusations from individuals who believe that they are unlawful discrimination victims. These services are free, and the investigations often end with resolutions. However, the agency can seek to enforce its resolutions in court if necessary with the approval of the Arlington County Board.
Human Rights Ordinance in Fairfax County
In 1974, Fairfax County passed into law a Human Rights Ordinance that makes it unlawful for individuals to be discriminated against based on their age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, or sex. The Fairfax Human Rights Commission was created under this law to accept and investigate accusations of discrimination.
Individuals who believe that they were victims of discrimination have the right to submit complaints within 365 days of the incidents to the Fairfax Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs. After formal accusations are made, the commission will start the investigation, and each party gets the chance to arbitrate. Following a set of steps, a determination will be made by the commission whether or not there is probable cause for discrimination.
If you submit formal accusations that are also covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and other federal laws that protect against discrimination, the commission will cross-file your case with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Let A Qualified Attorney Fight For You
If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination in Northern Virginia – contact The Brown Firm PLLC immediately. We are prepared to aggressively fight for your rights inside and outside of the courtroom. Contact the Brown Firm by calling 703.828.0900 or by sending in an online contact form.
