What is "unlawful discrimination"?

Unlawful discrimination is when someone is treated differently by an employer, housing provider, or public accommodation because they are a member of a protected class. The term "discrimination" shall mean any difference in treatment, terms, conditions, or practices based on race, color, age*, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, or physical disability.

How do I know if I am being discriminated against?

 You may have been discriminated against, if:

1. You are treated differently from others in a similar situation because of your race, color, age*, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, or physical disability; and
2. You are harmed by the treatment

Your issue can be resolved through conciliation to include compensation for any actual losses incurred because of the discrimination.

*Not applicable in housing or public accommodations.

If I feel like I am being discriminated against, what should I do?

Speak with an investigator of the Albuquerque Human Rights Office by calling 505-924-3380, or e-mailing us at coahumanrights@cabq.gov.

What can the Human Rights Office do for me?

The Albuquerque Human Rights Office provides for resolution of discrimination complaints, community outreach, training, fair housing, technical assistance, and a broad range of other human rights related activities. Discrimination complaints are investigated and/or conciliated in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

All of our services are free of charge. 

What happens when I file a discrimination complaint?

AHRO, as a neutral party, will serve the complaint on the party who is alleged to have violated the law (the respondent).

A Respondent:

• Is given the opportunity to consider resolving the case prior to an investigation through a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement (PDS), a mutual agreement between the complainant and respondent.
• Has a right to answer the complaint, if the respondent chooses an investigation.
  Must provide AHRO with requested data and any additional relevant information regarding the complaint.

What is a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement?

A Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement provides both parties an opportunity to resolve the complaint voluntarily without a determination as to its merits before the change is investigated.

How are investigations conducted?

If the complaint is not resolved during the preliminary stages, it will be fully investigated. An AHRO investigator may need to:

• Conduct interviews of the complainant's and respondent's witnesses.
• Have access to pertinent records and documents for review.
• Conduct an on-site investigation

If the complaint is substantiated, a formal conciliation effort may be required to determine corrective measures to resolve the complaint such as:

• The previously denied housing be made available.
• Compensation for any actual losses incurred because of the discrimination.
• Other actions to prevent or to eliminate the effects of discrimination.