The Albuquerque Human Rights Ordinance was enacted in January 1974 and is administered by the City of Albuquerque Human Rights Board through the Human Rights Office. The Ordinance prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age (only in employment), or physical disability in employment, housing or public accommodations.

The Ordinance provides for resolution of discrimination complaints and a broad range of human rights related activities.

There are seven members on the Board, appointed by the Mayor and the City Council for a four-year term. The members must be residents of Albuquerque. The Mayor's recommendations are approved by the City Council.

Mission

It is the mission of the Human Rights Board and Human Rights Office to promote trust, equality, understanding, and respect among the people of Albuquerque and between the people and government agencies; and to endeavor that all people may enjoy their rights and pursue their opportunities on an equal basis.

Community Outreach

The staff of the Human Rights Office work closely with public and private agencies, civil rights agencies and community organizations representing or providing services to minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, youth and seniors to promote equality and awareness on human/civil rights issues, and to reduce inter-group tension and hostility.

The Office heightens community awareness and promotes sensitivity to the diversity of the residents of Albuquerque by promoting and sponsoring and/or cosponsoring events and activities that support the cause of human rights.

The following booklets on some of the various racial, ethnic and cultural groups in Albuquerque and New Mexico have been developed and are disseminated: Reflections on African American Heritage, Hispanic Heritage in New Mexico, Irish-American Heritage, Jewish-American Heritage, Native American Heritage in New Mexico, Asian-American Heritage and Women of New Mexico.

Technical Assistance

Based on staff availability and resources, staff of the Human Rights Office may provide technical assistance to public and private employers, City Contractors, educators, educational institutions, businesses, housing providers, and others relative to policies, plans, and programs and in their efforts to avoid or correct discrimination complaints.

Fair Housing

The Human Rights Office works with public and private agencies, real estate agencies, property owners, community organizations and others to promote and support fair housing through equal opportunity in and equal access to housing on a non discriminatory basis.

Through its fair housing training and outreach efforts the Human Rights Office increases awareness of and compliance with fair housing laws by making presentations and conducting workshops and seminars on fair housing.

The Office receives complaints alleging housing discrimination under the Albuquerque Human Rights Ordinance and processes these complaints for investigation, conciliation, and other resolution and/or referral as appropriate.