Nondiscrimination Process

Statement and Notice of Nondiscrimination

The City of Grand Junction (City) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or service that it provides. The City will not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual or group. The City will take reasonable steps to ensure Grand Junction residents and other members of the community have access to all services provided by the City and will receive and have investigated any allegations of discrimination.  The City further states its commitment to compliance with Federal civil rights laws and is committed to providing its programs and services without discrimination in accordance with:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin (including language). 
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability. 
• Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities.
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975, which prohibits discrimination based on age.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulation 6 C.F.R. Part 19, which prohibits discrimination based on religion in social service programs.  

The City will not restrict an individual in any way from the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any service, financial aid, or other benefits under any of its programs, regardless of the funding source for the program. Individuals may not be subjected to criteria or methods of administration which cause adverse impact because of their race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the objectives of the program because of race, color, or national origin.
 
 The City will not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual or group for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege guaranteed under law or regulations, or because the individual has filed a complaint or has testified, assisted, or participated in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing or has opposed any City action or decision.
 
 The City will take reasonable measures to provide access to services for individuals with limited ability to speak, write, or understand English and/or for those with disabilities.

Filing a Complaint

If someone believes they have suffered from discrimination under a City program, they may contact the City’s Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Coordinator to seek an informal resolution. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the following steps will be followed:

• Within 180 days of the alleged discrimination, complainants may submit a written or verbal complaint to the Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Coordinator. Complaints must include the complainant’s name, the nature of the complaint, the dates of the complaint, the requested action, and contact information. Complaint forms are available in English and Spanish.
• The Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Coordinator will review the complaint and may solicit additional information from the complainant as needed. If additional information is requested and not received, the case may be closed. The case may also be closed if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case.
• If the complaint is outside the jurisdiction of the City, the complainant will be notified of the name and contact information for the appropriate agency with jurisdiction, if known.

Complaint Processing

If the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the City, or an informal resolution was not possible, it will be promptly and impartially investigated. The City’s goal is to address complaints within 60 days of receipt, though the time to carefully investigate complaints may be longer depending on the nature of the complaint and the complexity of the issue.

Preliminary Inquiry:

The City will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine the need for further investigation.

• The City will notify the complainant in writing that a preliminary inquiry is underway to determine the need for further investigation.
• If the preliminary inquiry by the City indicates that an investigation is warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing and an interview will be scheduled.
• If the preliminary inquiry indicates an investigation is not warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing of the reasons why and factors considered.

Complaint Investigation:

• Complaints warranting further investigation will be promptly and impartially processed by the City’s Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Coordinator. The results of the investigation will be provided to the City’s Human Resources Director for review.
• The complainant will be notified in writing of the results of the investigation and what actions will be/have been taken in response and a timeline to request review.

Reasonable Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities

NOTICE

The City of Grand Junction (City) is committed to providing individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the City’s programs, activities, and services. 

Individuals may request reasonable accommodations from the City that they believe will enable them to have such equal opportunity to participate in our programs, activities, and services. 

To request reasonable accommodations, contact the Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Coordinator at risk@gjcity.org or by calling 970-244-1561. 

Access to Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or Disability

The City of Grand Junction will take reasonable steps to ensure access to all people and that accommodation is available to facilitate the participation of those persons with English language proficiency and/or disability.
 
According to census data results from July 1, 2021, the total population of Grand Junction is 66,964, with 7.5 percent of the population speaking languages other than English.  To ensure effective communication or an equal opportunity to participate fully in the decision-making process resources are directed through the City's Translation and Interpretation protocol:

• Professional translation of public-facing documents and online content 
• Translation available on the City website and social media platforms
• Live interpretation for public events and interactions 
• Assistive technology devices (city-issued smartphones and iPads) with the Language Line app account allowing live on-demand video interpreters 24 hours per day for 240+ languages including American Sign Language
• Access to Language Line interpretation over the telephone.