Protecting your rights – because everyone deserves equal treatment
The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is a neutral, fact-finding agency that is charged with enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). WLAD can be found in RCW 49.60 . Our mission is to prevent and eliminate discrimination across Washington State through the fair application of the law, efficient use of resources, and establishment of productive partnerships in the community.
WLAD helps to protect Washingtonians from discriminatory practices on the basis of protected classes in the following areas:
- Employment
- Housing and Real Estate
- Places of Public Accommodation
- Credit and Insurance
Protected classes include:
- Race/Color
- National Origin
- Citizenship/Immigration Status
- Creed
- Sex-Pregnancy
- Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
- Veteran/Military Status
- Presence of sensory, mental, or physical actual disability or perceived disability
- Use of a Service Animal
- HIV or Hepatitis
- Marital Status (except in public accommodation)
- Breastfeeding (in public accommodation)
- Age (40+)
- Families with children (housing only)
- State employee whistleblower
- Healthcare employee whistleblower
The WSHRC engages in several key activities:
- Complaint investigation – reviewing, investigating and resolving allegations of discrimination through a neutral, fact-finding process.
- Alternative dispute resolution – helping parties reach an agreement without going to court.
- Education and training – providing free training to teach employers, landlords, businesses, and the public about their rights and responsibilities to prevent discrimination.
- Community outreach – increasing awareness of anti-discrimination protections by attending community events.
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