Washington State Human Rights Commission

Filing a Discrimination Complaint

“Please be advised that by completing this form and returning it, you have not filed a formal complaint as required under RCW 49.60. Upon receipt of your completed form, Commission staff will review your complaint and contact you to finalize the process.”

On-line Complaint Questionnaire (requires version 7 of Adobe Reader)

Also fill out our Employment Supplemental form if the alleged discrimination is in employment.

Additional Questions and Answers

Q: Who can file a Charge of Discrimination?

A: Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on protected class status may file a charge of discrimination with the WSHRC.

●          Race/Color
●          Creed (Religion)
●          National Origin
●          Families with Children Status
●          Sex (including pregnancy and maternity)
●          Marital Status
●          Age
●          Disability
●          Use of a Guide Dog or Service Animal by a person with a disability
●          HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis C Status
●          Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
●          Honorably Discharged Veteran and Military Status
●          Retaliation
●          State Employee Whistleblower Retaliation
●          Health Care Whistleblower Retaliation

Q: How Is a Charge of Discrimination Filed?

A: A charge may be filed by mail, online (form above), or in person.

OLYMPIA HEADQUARTERS OFFICE
711 S. Capitol Way, #402
P.O. Box 42490
Olympia, WA 98504-2490

TEL: 360-753-6770 -- FAX: 360-586-2282
Toll Free: 1-800-233-3247
TTY: 1-800-300-7525

SEATTLE DISTRICT OFFICE
Melbourne Tower, #921
1511 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101-1626

TEL: 206-464-6500 -- FAX: 206-464-7463
TTY: 206-587-5168

SPOKANE DISTRICT OFFICE
Rock Point Plaza III
1330 N. Washington ST., Suite 2460
Spokane, WA 99201

TEL: 509-568-3196 -- FAX: 509-568-3197

YAKIMA DISTRICT OFFICE
Liberty Building, # 422
32 North Third Street
Yakima, WA 98901-2730

TEL: 509-575-2772 -- FAX: 509-575-2064
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

Vancouver District Office
Washington School for the Deaf
611 Grand Blvd. Rm 108A
Vancouver, WA 98661-4918

Toll-Free:1-800-233-3247
TTY Toll Free: 1-800-300-7525

*Individuals who need an accommodation in order to file a charge (e.g., sign language interpreter, print materials in an accessible format) should inform the WSHRC so appropriate arrangements can be made. *

Q: What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Charge of Discrimination?

A: There are strict time limits within which charges must be filed: A charge must be filed with WSHRC within six month from the date of the alleged violation, in order to protect your rights. To protect legal rights, it is always best to contact WSHRC promptly when discrimination is suspected,

Q: What Information Must Be Provided to File a Charge?

A: The complaining party's name, address, and telephone number;
The name, address, and telephone number of the respondent employer, employment agency, union, or place of public accommodation that is alleged to have discriminated, and number of employees,if known;
A short description of the alleged violation (the event that caused you to believe that his or her rights were violated); and
The date(s) of the alleged violation(s).

To obtain this information in an alternate format or if you have questions or comments about this site, please contact the Webmaster. PRIVACY NOTICE