Civil Rights Section

The United States Attorney’s Office, in coordination with the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, is charged with enforcing the federal civil rights laws throughout the Southern District of Texas.

The following are examples of the civil rights statutes that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas enforces: the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and violations of laws that protect against patterns and practices of discrimination regarding race, ethnicity, gender and religion.

Examples of civil-rights violations that this office seeks to remedy include:

Discrimination against a disabled person due to a failure to provide adequate access by a state or local government or a public accommodation (including, for example, a restaurant, doctor's office, retail store, hotel, etc.);
Discrimination against a person who is renting, buying or securing financing for any housing because of the person’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children; and
Discrimination against an employee or applicant for employment because of a person's past, current or future military obligations.

To inform the Civil Division, Civil Rights Section, of a Civil Rights violation, issue or complaint, use Complaint Form (English) or Complaint Form (Spanish).

The United States Attorney’s Office is primarily a legal office and not an investigative agency. However, the Civil Rights Section of this office will evaluate your complaint and may take action on it or refer the complaint to another agency for investigation or other action.

Please keep in mind that this office cannot represent you in any matter. Therefore, you may need to consult and retain your own attorney.

Press releases

Virtual reality event company resolves ADA complaint

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to undergo ADA compliance review

The Breakfast Klub agrees to remove ADA violations

Employment discrimination claim resolved on behalf of U.S. Army National Guard reservist

Justice Department Settles Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Lawsuit Securing $342,500 for Two Female Firefighters and Changes to the Houston Fire Department's Training Practices

UH agrees to resolve web accessibility issues

Strip mall property owners settle ADA violations

Another strip mall property settles ADA allegations

Local strip mall property settles ADA allegations

U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts roundtable discussion on sexual harassment in the workplace