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

The Woodlands Retina Center Settles Claim to Ensure Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Department of Justice Settles Employment Discrimination Claim on Behalf of U.S. Army Reservist

Doctors Hospital Agrees to Settle Claim Alleging Failure to Provide Effective Communication Services Deaf Individuals

Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Galveston County, Texas, to Improve Accessibility of Services and Programs
U.S. Attorney Announces New Civil Rights Practice and ADA Restaurant Initiative
U.S. Attorney Announces Settlement with Bus Company to Ensure Accessibility for People with Disabilities

U.S. Attorney’s Office Conducts ADA Review of NRG Stadium Prior to Super Bowl LI

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Civil Rights Brochure

For more information about the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, please click here.

Contact Information for the Civil Rights Section:

United States Attorney’s Office
Civil Division – Civil Rights Section
1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300
Houston, Texas 77002