Human Rights and Equity Programs

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 8AM-4:30PM. To file a complaint, call (703) 324-2953 to be scheduled for an intake appointment via telephone or videoconference.
703-324-2953 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 318
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael L. Simms
Acting Director

FAQs

Welcome to our list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).  If you still can't find the answer you are looking for, please refer to the Contact information at the top of the page.

We investigate and resolve claims of illegal discrimination involving workplaces, public spaces, and properties in Fairfax County. Our services cover the following areas: (1) employment; (2) public accommodations; (3) housing; (4) private education; (5) and credit related services. As part of our investigative work, we often provide related assistance, such as helping people draft and file their complaints or helping the parties settle their dispute.

We handle complaints of illegal discrimination in the following areas: (1) employment; (2) public accommodations; (3) housing; (4) private education; (5) and credit related services. The discrimination you complain of must be based on one of the following categories:

  • Age (40+ in employment)
  • Color
  • Disability/Handicap
  • Elderliness (age 55+ in housing)
  • Familial Status (in housing)
  • Marital Status
  • National Origin
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Retaliation for Complaining of Discrimination
  • Sex
  • Pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Gender Identity
  • Military Status

Procedural Memorandum 39-06, the County’s Policy and Procedure on Harassment, provides Fairfax County government employees, volunteers, and vendors, with protections that are similar to, but more expansive than, what is provided under federal state, and local antidiscrimination laws.  In addition to the categories listed above, PM 39-06 prohibits discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, union affiliation, veterans status, disabled veterans status, and creed.      

Anyone who works or applies for a job opportunity in Fairfax County may file a complaint with the OHREP. Anyone who owns or rents property in Fairfax County or seeks to own or rent property or conduct any other real estate related transaction in Fairfax County may file a housing complaint of discrimination with our office. And anyone who lives, works or visits Fairfax County may file a public accommodation complaint of discrimination.

There are no charges or fees for our services.

Yes, for housing complaints you must file your complaint within 1 year of the alleged act of discrimination. If you are filing a complaint of discrimination regarding employment, you must file your complaint generally within 300 days of the alleged act of discrimination.  All other complaints of discrimination must be filed within 180 days from the day on which the alleged discriminatory practice occurred. 

If you believe you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination, you may initiate the screening process by completing our Online Questionnaire feature, or by contacting our office at 703.324.2953, 711 TTY.  You may also visit our offices at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 318, Fairfax, VA 22035.  Please be prepared provide enough detail to inform our staff and the respondent (the person or company named in your complaint as responsible) of the timing, location and facts of the alleged discrimination.

The time it takes to investigate a complaint can vary greatly, depending on the facts of the case and the size of our workload.

You do not need an attorney to file a complaint or at any point during our investigation. But you have the right to have someone represent you.  We cannot provide you an attorney or serve as your attorney at any point in your discrimination complaint process. Our staff must be neutral during the investigation of your complaint.

You can complete an online questionnaire at Human Rights Assessment, contact us at 703.324.2953, 711 TTY or visit us at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 318, Fairfax, VA 22035.  A specialist will be happy to assist you.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant