Over the past year, the Los Angeles Civil Rights Department has cracked down on complaints in the private sector, resulting in nearly $230,000 in penalties for unlawful discrimination in the commerce, education, employment and housing industries, it was announced Thursday.
“The Civil and Human Rights Ordinance, passed by the City Council in 2019, empowers LA Civil Rights to investigate, enforce and reach settlements that hold violators accountable and protect residents from discrimination,” LA Civil Rights Department Executive Director Capri Maddox said in a statement.
“We hold bad actors accountable while also standing with Angelenos who seek support,” Maddox added.
Since July 2024, the department has received and reviewed more than 2,000 discrimination complaints. Staff conducted investigations into the complaints, and found that approximately 1,178 were connected to supportive services such as housing and legal resources, according to the agency.
The investigative team pursued nearly 140 active investigations. While not all investigations led to a so-called “notice of violations,” about 42 complaints led to voluntary corrective actions, the department reported. Additionally, every individual who sought help received support from the department.
According to the department, staff most recently settled a case in April, stemming from an investigation that began in August 2024. Security staff allegedly discriminated against a guest with a disability at an event being hosted by a residential property in West L.A. The security guard repeatedly demanded unlawful proof about the victim’s service animal and medical condition, according to the agency. The department issued a notice of violation and reached a settlement, requiring the homeowners association to pay $25,000 in penalties.
In another case, a Los Angeles landlord repeatedly denied a Section 8 tenant with disabilities the right to have a live-in aid, demanded illegal extra payments, and threatened improper eviction. The department fined the landlord $30,000 in penalties and required the individual to complete corrective training.
Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination can filed a free claim with the agency by visiting LAisForEveryone.com, calling 213-978-1845 or emailing CRE@lacity.org.