Washington State Human Rights Commission

Established in 1949 by the Washington State Legislature, the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is a state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination.

The mission of the WSHRC is to eliminate and prevent discrimination in Washington State through the fair application of the law, efficient use of resources, and establishment of productive partnerships in the community.
What is the WSHRC’s statutory authority? 

Chapter 49.60 RCW is a state law that prohibits discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, places of public resort, accommodation, or amusement, in real estate transactions, and credit and insurance transactions on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and prohibits retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, and those who file health care and state employee whistleblower complaints.
How does the WSHRC operate?

There are five Commissioners appointed by the Governor, who appoint an Executive Director.  The Executive Director appoints investigative staff, clerks, and other employees as needed to conduct the day-to-day operations of the agency.  The Commissioners provide policy direction, adopt regulations, and meet monthly to pass upon the investigative finding determinations recommended by staff, review and approve settlement agreements, and issue Board Orders setting forth the terms of the legally binding agreements and may vote to grant or deny requests for reconsideration of previously issued investigative findings.

WSHRC Mission & Vision Statement

The Mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is to prevent and eliminate discrimination through the fair application of the law, the efficient use of resources, and the establishment of productive partnerships in the community.

We envision a state where:

• All of Washington's citizens experience equal opportunity as the rule, rather than the exception.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion are the norms in Washington State, and "tolerance" becomes an outdated concept.
• Individuals who seek out the services of the Commission find such encounters to be fair, efficient, timely, and accessible to all.
• Employees of the Commission conduct work effectively and efficiently as a result of feeling appropriately encouraged and supported in the workplace.
• The Commission's relationships with other agencies and community groups are appropriately grown and encouraged to strengthen the safety net for Washington's citizens.

Under the law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination at work, in housing, in public accommodation, or when seeking credit and insurance. Any individual who believes that they have been discriminated against based on protected class status may file a complaint of discrimination with the WSHRC.