The Investigations Unit investigates complaints of discrimination by aggrieved individuals. Nassau County law defines discrimination as follows
“Discrimination” means any difference in treatment based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status or disability and shall include segregation, except that it shall not be discrimination for any religious or denominational institution to devote its facilities, exclusively or primarily, to or for members of its own religion or denomination or to give preference to such members or to make such selection as is calculated by such institution to promote the religious principles for which it is established or maintained, unless membership in such religion is restricted on account of race, color, or national origin. Section 21-9.2(d) of the Nassau County Administrative Code.
Investigations of discrimination usually begin upon
receipt of a complaint. The complaint may be initiated
by mail, telephone or a personal visit to the office.
The complainant is interviewed concerning the nature
of the alleged discriminatory act. If the initial process
reveals that a 'prima facie' (or first instance) case
of discrimination has been made, a verified complaint
is then accepted. A verified complaint may be filed
under Nassau County Administrative Code or under New
York State Human Rights Law, under a Memorandum of
Understanding with the New York State Division on Human
Rights. Throughout the process, every effort is made
to resolve the matter through persuasion and conciliation
The Investigations Unit also conducts training sessions
among county agencies and in the private sector, to
promote equality of treatment and access, to all people
If you have any questions or believe that you have
been the victim of unlawful discriminatory acts, you
should call the Investigations Unit at (516) 571-3662.
