Navajo Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Act (Civil Rights Act)

During the 2018 Summer Council Session, the Navajo Nation Council passed Legislation No. 0469-17, which sought to enact the Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2018 and was signed into Law by former President Russell Begay.

Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Act (Civil Rights Act)

The Civil Rights Act is a landmark piece of Navajo Nation legislation that protects the rights of Navajos with disabilities. Consistent with Navajo teachings, the Act provides that discrimination against any individual with a disability is naayéé and not only violates the fundamental individual rights of Navajos, but also disrupts efforts to maintain hozho across all of Dine Bikeyah.

The Civil Rights Act protects Navajos with disabilities from disability discrimination in housing, employment, education, voting, in detention centers, government services and public accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities who cannot fully participate in the areas listed above have a right to a reasonable accommodation so that they may fully participate. Accommodations are not guaranteed – they must be reasonable and cannot place an undue burden on the discriminating entity.

Any person who is discriminated against on the basis of their disability may sue in the courts of the Navajo Nation to get an accommodation they are entitled to under the law, and for money damages.

  • 4501. Purpose

In harmony with traditional and common law, it is the policy of the Navajo Nation to respect, revere and protect all individuals, their communities, and their unique qualities. It must not be forgotten that in Diné teachings, a human being is more than his or her limitations. Consistent with Navajo traditional and common law and the Navajo Bill of Rights, the Navajo Nation finds that discrimination against any individual with a disability is naayéé́ and disrupts efforts to maintain hózhó across all of Diné Bikéyah.

For more information about the Navajo Nation Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Act (Civil Rights Act) please contact Hoskie Benally, Government Liaison at (505) 566-5880.