The Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division secured more than $2 million in monetary relief for victims of discrimination during fiscal year 2025, according to an announcement from Attorney General Kris Mayes. The division resolved 128 cases through litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
During the same period, the division investigated 3,017 allegations of discrimination and completed over 800 investigations. Most cases were settled without a lawsuit, reducing legal costs for all parties involved. Monetary recoveries were provided directly to victims, while civil penalties went to the State General Fund. In addition to financial compensation, some victims received non-monetary remedies such as improved accessibility accommodations.
“Every one of these cases represents a real Arizonan who faced discrimination in their job, their home, or their community,” said Attorney General Mayes. “My office’s Civil Rights Division fights to make sure Arizona’s promise of equal treatment isn’t just words — it’s a guarantee we enforce under the law.”
Arizona law protects residents from discrimination in areas including employment, housing, public accommodations, and voting based on religion, race, national origin, sex, color, familial status or age. The Civil Rights Division provides its services at no cost regardless of income.
Over the past eight years, the division has investigated more than 21,000 allegations and recovered nearly $12 million for victims—primarily through mediation and settlements. The office also held 21 educational events in fiscal year 2025 aimed at informing communities about state civil rights laws and available resources.
Several highlighted cases from fiscal year 2025 include:
– State v. Turner Mining: The division alleged failure by Turner Mining to address sex-based misconduct by employees and retaliatory termination after protected activity; resolved by consent decree.
– State v. Acadia Healthcare Company: Allegations that Acadia failed to provide effective communication for a hard-of-hearing client during inpatient care; resolved by consent decree.
– State v. Precision Tool: Alleged suspension of an employee due to pregnancy disclosure; resolved by consent decree.
– State v. Shirley Ann Enterprises: Alleged denial of reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal and retaliation against a tenant; resolved by consent decree.
– Other pending or recently resolved cases involve issues ranging from disability-based workplace harassment (State v. School District No. 24) to fair housing disputes (State v. Olive Branch Assisted Living), among others.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office addresses civil rights violations as part of its broader mission which includes tackling elder abuse and unsolved crimes through its cold case unit (official website). As Arizona’s chief legal entity (official website), it provides advocacy and protection statewide (official website) while participating in federal lawsuits and supporting initiatives like fair housing efforts (official website). Kris Mayes is recognized as Arizona’s 27th attorney general and is noted as the first mother in this role (official website).
