Discrimination and Protected Classes in Columbus
Per Columbus City Code 2331, it is illegal to discriminate
against an individual in the areas of employment, housing, or public
accommodation based on the following protected classes:
- Race
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity or Expression
- Color
- Religion
- Ancestry
- National Origin
- Age
- Disability
- Familial Status
- Military Status
For the purpose of the City Code, the definition of
discrimination is to segregate or separate, or any difference in treatment,
based on the protected classes listed above.
Examples of potential discrimination include, but are not limited to
the following:
Employment
- I feel I was passed over for a promotion because
I am female. (Gender)
- I think I was terminated from my job because I
am black. (Race)
- I was denied a training opportunity because I am
from Nepal. (National Origin)
Housing
- I believe I am being charged more rent because I
have three children. (Familial Status)
- I feel that I was evicted from my apartment
because I am in the Army Reserves. (Military
Status)
- My apartment is not serviced as often as others
because I use a wheelchair. (Disability)
Public Accommodation
- I was denied membership to a gym because I am
Muslim. (Religion)
- I was seated in the back of a restaurant, when
many seats were available in the front, because I am gay. (Sexual Orientation)
- I was told to use the women’s restroom although
I identify as a male. (Gender Identity)
The Community
Relations Commission
A division of the Department of Neighborhoods, the Community Relations Commission (CRC) is authorized by Chapter 139 of
the City Code to investigate, mediate, or refer for prosecution complaints of
discrimination. If you believe you were subjected to discrimination, the CRC
provides:
- An efficient, thorough, and fair investigation
- A voluntary option to resolve your complaint
through mediation
- Information and options to file with other
governmental agencies charged with resolving discrimination complaints
- Referrals to the City Attorney’s Office for
complaints with a “Probable Cause” determination.
To learn more about the complaint process, click here.