City Of Austin Hosts Education Series On Protecting Civil Rights

AUSTIN, TX—The City of Austin's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) invites the community to a series of events designed to promote knowledge and challenge discrimination in housing and employment. More than 100 allegations of unfair treatment were logged with the OCR in 2020, and the goal of the OCR and the scheduled events is to advance racial equity and fight discrimination in the Cit of Austin.

Federal laws prohibit discrimination based on a person’s nationality, race, color, religion, disability, sex, and familial status. The City’s OCR is empowered to receive complaints and enforce civil rights protections which guarantee equal social and economic opportunities, and equal protection under the law.

“Protecting civil rights is an essential piece of our democracy and implementing that protection is something the City’s Civil Rights Office is dedicated to,” said Civil Rights Officer Carol Johnson. “Through education and community outreach, we are working together to ensure racial and social equity for all Austinites.”

The virtual education series is focused on the Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance and other civil right protections. The goal is to empower participants with information to increase economic opportunity; prevent and reduce discrimination; and protect the health and safety of Austin residents. Registration for the workshops is free and each series will include presentations by industry professional speaking on the following critical topics:

• Fair Chance Hiring for Employers August 26, 2021 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Employment Discrimination Education September 22, 2021 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Housing Discrimination Education October 20, 2021 1 p.m.– 2:30 p.m.

For more information, click HERE.