New York City Human Rights Law: Protection for Veterans and Service Members

The City Human Rights Law, Title 8 of the Administrative Code, has protected "uniformed service" since November 2017, on top of the State Human Rights Law and the federal USERRA. Who is protected. Anyone who serves or has served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army or Air National Guard, the reserves, the NOAA or Public Health Service commissioned corps, or the organized militia of any state or territory. The law turns on the service, not the discharge: a discharge status is not itself protected, but using it as cover for discrimination on another protected ground, such as disability, is unlawful. Who must comply. Employers with four or more employees, counting part-time workers, interns and most independent contractors; anyone who sells or rents most housing in the City, including brokers and managers; labour unions; and every business or facility open to the public. A landlord or employer may lawfully prefer veterans, and a business may offer a military discount. The GI Bill. The law's protection for lawful source of income means a landlord cannot turn a veteran away for paying rent with the GI Bill housing allowance. How to complain. File with the City Commission on Human Rights, by calling 311 or the Commission's infoline at 212-416-0197, within one year of the last act, or three years for gender-based harassment. The act must have happened in, or have enough connection to, the City. The Commission can order damages, civil penalties, training and posted notices. The start date. The Commission's FAQ gives November 18, 2017, its printed fact sheet November 19, 2017, and the protection is not retroactive.