FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of LA Civil Rights Department Cracks Down on Discrimination in Private Sector
Comprehensive investigations over the past year have led to nearly $230,000 in penalties
LOS ANGELES, CA -- September 11, 2025 – The Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (LA Civil Rights) announced a series of Notices of Violation enforcements over the past year, demonstrating the City’s ongoing commitment to fairness, accountability, and equal access for all Angelenos. Since July 2024, LA Civil Rights has issued Notices of Violation under the Los Angeles Civil and Human Rights Ordinance, resulting in nearly $230,000 in penalties for unlawful discrimination in commerce, education, employment, and housing in the private sector.
The Department has received and reviewed more than 2,000 discrimination complaints. As part of the investigative process, 1,178 were connected to supportive services, including housing and legal resources. The investigative team pursued nearly 140 active investigations. While not all investigations resulted in a notice of violation, 42 complaints led to voluntary corrective actions, and every individual seeking assistance received personalized support.
“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,” said Capri Maddox, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Department. “At LA Civil Rights, we are fighting discrimination on both offense and defense. We hold bad actors accountable while also standing with Angelenos who seek support. Our mission is rooted in fairness, compassion, and building an LA For Everyone—where every person belongs and no one should face hate or discrimination.”
Notices of Violation & Settlements
Disability Discrimination in Commerce
Settled April 2025
In August 2024, security staff discriminated against a guest with a disability at an event being hosted by a residential property in West Los Angeles. The security repeatedly demanded unlawful proof about her service animal and medical condition. In April 2025, LA Civil Rights issued a Notice of Violation under the Civil and Human Rights Ordinance and reached a settlement requiring the Homeowners Association to pay $25,000 in penalties. This case reinforces Los Angeles’ commitment to disability rights and ensuring equal access for all.
Racial Discrimination in Commerce
Settled February 2025
In December 2023, a multi-national retail clothing store at a Westfield Shopping Mall wrongly accused an African-American mother and teenage daughter of theft, detaining and searching them with mall security despite no evidence of theft - and in violation of their store policy. In February 2025, LA Civil Rights issued a Notice of Violation under the Ordinance and ordered the chain to pay $60,000 in penalties. This case highlights the City’s commitment to addressing racial discrimination in commercial spaces.
Medical Condition Discrimination in Housing
Settled January 2025
Between January and July 2024, a landlord in Studio City unlawfully denied a family’s request for an emotional support animal, despite proper documentation. The landlord demanded unnecessary certifications, threatened eviction, and retaliated after the family asserted their rights. In January 2025, LA Civil Rights issued a Notice of Violation under the Ordinance and reached a settlement for $62,500 in penalties. This case underscores Los Angeles’ dedication to fair housing and disability rights.
Racial Harassment in Commerce
Settled January 2025
In November 2023, an African-American customer at a national retail pharmacy chain was subjected to racial slurs by a supervisor, including being called the N-word. In January 2025, LA Civil Rights investigated and reached a public settlement requiring the parent corporation to pay $55,000 in penalties under the Ordinance. This case reflects the City’s determination to hold businesses accountable for racial harassment and protect residents from hate and discrimination.
Medical Condition Discrimination in Housing
Settled July 2024
A Los Angeles landlord repeatedly denied a Section 8 tenant with disabilities the right to have a live-in aide, demanded illegal extra payments, and attempted improper evictions over several years. LA Civil Rights issued a Notice of Violation under the Civil and Human Rights Ordinance, and the landlord was ordered to pay $30,000 in penalties and complete corrective training. This case demonstrates the City’s commitment to protecting fair housing and disability rights.
How to Contact the LA Civil Rights Department and File a Claim
LA Civil Rights has the authority to enforce the City’s Civil and Human Rights Law, which prohibits discrimination in the private sector in the areas of commerce, education, employment and housing. If you, or someone you know, has experienced discrimination in a private-sector commerce, education, employment, or housing setting, filing a claim is simple and cost free. Contact the Los Angeles Civil Rights Department and file a claim by visiting LAisForEveryone.com or by calling (213) 978-1845 or email CRE@lacity.org. Language translation services are available.
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About LA Civil Rights - LA Civil Rights works to advance equity, protect Angelenos from discrimination, and promote upward mobility across the City of Los Angeles. The Department includes the Civil Rights Enforcement Unit, which addresses discrimination in private commerce, education, employment, and housing; the Office of Race and Equity, which provides a policy equity lens, leads upward mobility programs, and oversees the L.A. REPAIR Participatory Budgeting initiative. It also supports five City commissions: the Commission on Civil Rights, Commission on the Status of Women, Human Relations Commission, Transgender Advisory Council, and the Reparations Advisory Commission. Through community engagement, policy initiatives, and enforcement, LA Civil Rights works to reduce bias and injustice while strengthening Los Angeles’ diversity, equity, and accountability. Learn more at LAisForEveryone.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Alison.Simard@lacity.org, 213-718-2979 or email lacivilrightspress@lacity.org, 213- 978-1845.