Human Rights Division

Under the leadership of City Manager T.C. Broadnax, the Human Rights Division was created in March 2025. The creation of the Human Rights Division represents a strategic evolution in the City of Austin’s equity infrastructure. This structural realignment strengthens the City’s capacity to institutionalize inclusive policies, proactively address systemic barriers, and build a local government where all Austinites are seen, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Questions? Contact us at aei@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-3251. 

Who We Are

The Human Rights Division is within the Office of Equity and Inclusion. The Human Rights Division advances the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Austinites through a proactive, human-centered approach grounded in dignity, safety, and belonging. Its mission is to support a city where all residents, regardless of background or identity, are free from discrimination and able to fully participate in public life. The division centers communities whose needs are often underserved - such as immigrants and refugees, LGBTQIA+ residents, people with disabilities (ADA), veterans, justice-impacted individuals, to list a few. 

What We Do

We advance the rights and freedoms of all Austinites by:

• Promoting dignity, safety, and belonging for every resident.
• Ensuring all people—regardless of background or identity—are free from discrimination and able to fully participate in public life.
• Expanding access to services, promoting inclusion, and removing systemic barriers to opportunity.
• Connecting residents to their rights, essential resources, and tools to navigate complex systems.
• Leading the “We All Belong” campaign to strengthen civic engagement and foster a shared sense of belonging.

Programs and Services

Immigrants and Refugees

The Human Rights Division supports our immigrant and refugee populations in many ways:

• Immigration Policy Updates: Get resources like Know Your Rights 'red cards', other Know Your Rights materials, and opportunities to learn about immigration policy updates.
• Citizenship Clinics and Information Sessions: Twice a year, we partner with immigration attorneys and organizations to provide a Citizenship Clinic and information sessions. We host multiple sessions to help people understand if they are eligible for naturalization, and we connect people with resources they might need like documents needed to apply for naturalization and organizations that might be able to help.
• Welcoming Week

Veterans

The Human Rights Division is designed to improve the support and well-being of the veteran community through education, outreach, and community engagement. Together with other organizations and community partners we:

• Foster collaboration among service providers and government agencies
• Educate and provide awareness about veterans' rights and resources
• Enhance and expand available resources and services for veterans, surviving spouses and dependent
• Provide Staff Liaison and Executive Liaison support for the Commission on Veterans Affairs

See the Veteran Resource Directory to find further resources and support.

To learn more about the improvement and support of the Veteran community, email Jesus Simental at jesus.simental@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-7742. 

People with Disabilities & Accessibility

At the City of Austin, we believe every resident should be able to fully enjoy and participate in community life - from attending a public meeting or visiting a park, to exploring our website or joining a city event. Accessibility is not just a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); it’s a reflection of our values and our commitment to serving everyone with respect and inclusion.

Learn more about how the City works to ensure equal access to programs, services, and facilities for people of all abilities. You’ll find details about requesting accommodations, reporting accessibility concerns, and learning more about our ongoing efforts to make Austin a city where everyone can thrive.

If you ever encounter a barrier that prevents you from fully participating in City services or activities, please let us know – we are here to help. Contact us at aei@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-3251.

Accommodations and Complaints