Non-Discrimination Policy

01. Policy

Rainbow Services does not discriminate. Every survivor is welcome here. Every volunteer, employee, board member, and partner operates under the same rule.

We provide services, employment, and volunteer opportunities without regard to any protected characteristic. We actively work to remove barriers (cultural, linguistic, physical, or economic) that might prevent anyone from accessing help.

02. Protected categories

Rainbow Services does not discriminate on the basis of:

• Race, color, national origin, or ancestry
• Religion or creed
• Sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation
• Marital status, familial status, or parental status
• Age (40 and older in employment contexts)
• Disability, medical condition, or genetic information
• Military or veteran status
• Immigration status: we do not ask, and it does not affect eligibility for any program
• Any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law

03. Scope

This policy applies to all Rainbow Services programs and activities, including:

• Emergency shelter and transitional housing
• On-site legal services and court accompaniment
• Case management and safety planning
• Children's support services and counseling referrals
• Community education and outreach

It also applies to:

• Employment: hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination
• Volunteer placement and engagement
• Procurement and vendor relationships

04. Legal framework

Rainbow Services operates under the following federal and state non-discrimination statutes:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §2000d): prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681): prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded programs.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. §794): prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding.
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12131): prohibits disability discrimination by public entities and programs.
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2022 (34 U.S.C. §12291): prohibits discrimination in VAWA-funded programs on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Gov. Code §12900 et seq.): governs employment discrimination across all protected classes.
• California Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civil Code §51): guarantees full and equal accommodations in all business establishments.

To file a complaint with an external agency:

• U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: justice.gov/crt
• California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH): calcivilrights.ca.gov

We acknowledge every internal report within five business days. We do not retaliate against anyone who files a good-faith report with us or with an external agency.

05. Report a violation

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed discrimination in connection with Rainbow Services, we want to know immediately.

• Email: communications@rainbowservicesdv.org
• Phone: 310-548-5450

All reports are investigated confidentially and promptly. Retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report is strictly prohibited and is itself a violation of this policy.