It’s illegal for places that do business with the public to discriminate against you because of certain protected characteristics.
In Oregon, this includes
“public accommodations.” A public accommodation includes a private business or organization that offers goods, services, lodging, amusements to the public. With few exceptions, this also includes any place that is open to the public or any service to public provided by a public body, such as a school.
BOLI enforces laws prohibiting discrimination in places of public accommodation on the basis of race, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, or age (18 years of age and older), regardless of immigration status. Specific guidance on immigrations status, race and national origin
discrimination protections for students in public schools is available here.
In addition, no career school (private vocational, professional, or trade) licensed to operate in Oregon may discriminate in its admission or instruction practices because of an individual’s race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, national origin, age, or physical or mental disabilities.
If you think you are being discriminated against in a public place in Oregon, you can file a
complaint. You can also contact us at
BOLI_help@boli.oregon.gov or call 971-245-3844.
Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries protects your civil rights in our state.
Discrimination in public places could look like:
- Being asked to leave a store or restaurant because of your race
- Not being served at a grocery store because of your sexual orientation
- Your family is offered different rental options or prices than people of a different national origin
- You’re evicted after your landlord finds out your sexual orientation
We can help
If you think you are being discriminated against in a public place in Oregon, you can file a complaint here. You can also contact us at
BOLI_help@boli.oregon.gov or call 971-245-3844.
The law