Human Rights Annual Impact Report 2021-22

Assisting the Vulnerable

Public Accommodations In 2021, City Council modified Greensboro’s non-discrimination ordinance to guarantee all residents equal access and fair enjoyment of places of public accommodation, which include private entities like restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, and private schools. The modification ensures access to these facilities and others, regardless of age, gender expression, disability, race, family status, hairstyle or texture, and more. In 2022, Human Rights hired an investigations specialist to handle complaints about violations of the ordinance. The department is still fine-tuning how the accommodations program will work. With this initiative, Greensboro is setting high standards as it strives to be one of the first North Carolina cities to end inequality and discrimination.

Reentry Program Thrive GSO is the City’s program for individuals and agencies concerned with raising awareness about issues related to criminal records, including expungement, housing, voting, education, and employment. In 2021-2022, about 280 people attended Thrive GSO programming , which included a viewing of the film, “13th,” in partnership with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, community resource fairs, and virtual programs that raised awareness of criminal record expungement and access to legal services. Staff processed 11 expungement requests, distributed 120 bus passes, and fielded more than 130 calls from residents who sought general information and resources.

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