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File Discrimination Complaint

In April 2021, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners passed a nondiscrimination ordinance protecting access to private employment and public accommodations. The nondiscrimination ordinance defines discrimination as any difference in treatment based on race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability.

How to Initiate a Complaint Based on Discrimination or Retaliation

Step 1

File a complaint here or contact the Buncombe County Non-Discrimination Coordinator and initiate the complaint.

Non-Discrimination Coordinator
Buncombe County Government
200 College St.
Asheville, North Carolina 28801

(828) 250-6568
NDO@buncombecounty.org

Step 2

The Non-Discrimination Coordinator will have 30 days to begin an investigation following the filing of a complaint.

Step 3

Respondents may file an answer to the complaint within 30 days of receiving a copy of the complaint.

Step 4

The investigation will be conducted promptly through the gathering of evidence, interviewing of witnesses, and appropriate documentation of all facts in evidence.

Step 5

Upon completion of the investigation the investigator will, using preponderance of the evidence standards, issue a written determination of findings, which shall be provided to the complainant within 10 days of issuance.

Step 6

Should reasonable cause to believe an unlawful discriminatory practice be found, resolution of the complaint by conference, conciliation, and/or persuasion will be attempted. An appeal may be made to a panel consisting of an assistant county manager, staff attorney, and strategic partnerships director. Appeals must be made in writing and delivered to the Board Clerk within 10 days of receipt of the decision.

Step 7

In the event that resolution is unsuccessful, penalties may be applied. All proceeds will be distributed to the Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools.

Buncombe County prohibits retaliation and any claim of retaliation based on a complaint initiated pursuant to this policy should be immediately reported and such complaint will be investigated and addressed promptly.


Locate & Contact

Contact

Jennifer Aviles
County Manager Administrative Coordinator
P: (828) 250-6568

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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