On January 19, 2021, Greensboro City Council members unanimously passed an updated non-discrimination policy that protects LGBTQ+ individuals and prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle. The move was part of a wave of NC municipalities that enacted similar ordinances after a statewide ban on such local protections expired in December 2020.

Greensboro’s new policy reinstated language from its 2015 policy, including protections from discrimination by businesses and in workplaces due to sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. The ordinance was expanded to include protections against discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles commonly associated with race or national origin.

The foundation of the Open Door Greensboro program resides in the passage of the January 2021 anti-discrimination ordinances to educate city businesses, organizations, and the community.

The City of Greensboro Public Accommodations ordinances may be found here.

Generally speaking, a public accommodation is any place open to and used by the public at large. It may be a business, refreshment, entertainment, recreation, or transportation facility of any kind whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations are extended, offered, sold, or otherwise made available to the public. 

The Greensboro business community and private sector play major roles in addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our goal is to connect the City with the private sector to foster an appropriate climate that creates, enhances, and sustains a community though educational programs.

We believe in education that transforms attitudes and characters where people are empowered not just to reside in Greensboro, but to equally feel able to enjoy everything the city has to offer. 

The program consists of three sequential training sessions (green, bronze, silver). Each session lasts 90 minutes and is scheduled monthly. 

Any employee may attend the training, especially those who have face-to-face contact with customers.

No. Training sessions are provided by City of Greensboro staff and guest speakers with no cost to the organization or trainee.