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News from the Washington State Human Rights Commission

Statement Regarding Recent Mass Shooting Events

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The Human Rights Commission is left reeling after hearing the devastating account of more than seventeen dead, and numerous injured, from recent mass shootings within the communities of Monterey Park in Southern California and Half Moon Bay, an agriculture area near San Francisco. We stand with the families and friends as we remember those you loved so deeply. 


Update from Wenatchee for Immigrant Justice

Monday, August 29, 2022

Summer update from Wenatchee for Immigrant Justice (WIJ):

"As the heat and summer harvest season is upon us, WIJ has been hard at work behind the scenes. We are so grateful for your continued support, and we want to share this update about our ongoing work in the community and some exciting changes for WIJ this fall. 

A medida que el calor y la temporada de cosecha de verano están sobre nosotros, WIJ ha estado trabajando duro detrás de escena. Estamos muy agradecidos por su continuo apoyo, y queremos compartir una actualización sobre nuestro trabajo continuo en la comunidad y algunos cambios emocionantes para WIJ en el otoño."

 

Update:

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Statement Regarding Threats Against Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The Human Rights Commission is appalled and saddened by the threats of violence made against several Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  We condemn the threats and the implicit message behind the threats.  Racism and threats of violence have no place on college campuses or anywhere.  Education is vitally important to individuals, families, and communities, and students must be able to engage in their educational pursuits without fear.  We hope that the perpetrators are found and held responsible for their actions, and that life can soon return to normal on these campuses.   


WSHRC provides guidance on closed captioning in places of public accommodation

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Pursuant to SB 5027, Televised closed captioning – places of public accommodation, which was signed into law by Governor Inslee in 2021, the WSHRC has created a guidance paper, with a question and answer format, for businesses to learn about the new requirements for closed captioning.  There is also a PowerPoint training for businesses to utilize when training employees.  

The law goes into effect July 25, 2021, and businesses need to be in compliance by October 23, 2021.


Supreme Court denies certiorari in case involving transgender student

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

The Washington State Human Rights Commission was pleased to hear of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny certiorari in a case involving a student’s right to use the restroom facilities that correspond to their gender identity.  On Monday, June 28, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, ending the case addressing a school district policy prohibiting transgender students from using the restroom that corresponds to their identified gender.  This denial   leaves in place the lower court’s ruling that the school board illegally discriminated against Grimm, who is transgender, when it denied him the right to use the boy’s bathroom and instead required him to use separate facilities.  This provides further support to the ideal that transgender students should be able to obtain an education free from discrimination and harassment.  This has long been a settled principle in Washington under the Washington Law Against Discrimination, which protects transgender individuals from discrimination.  If you or your child have been... more


Inslee announces eviction moratorium “bridge”

Friday, June 25, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee announced a “bridge” proclamation today between the eviction moratorium and the housing stability programs put in place by the Legislature (link to press release).


Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

The Human Rights Commission is pleased that the U.S. Congress passed and President Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth, the date commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, as a federal holiday.  “Great nations don’t ignore their most painful moments.  They embrace them,” stated the President at the bill signing event. 

Juneteenth National Independence Day will become the 12th legal federal public holiday.  Juneteenth is on June 19 and celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans. On that day in 1865, Union soldiers led by Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in the coastal city of Galveston, Texas, to deliver the order officially ending slavery in the state.

The Human Rights Commission hopes that Washington businesses will take this opportunity to engage their employees... more


Resolution_Standing in Solidarity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Resolution of the Washington State Human Rights Commission Stands in Solidarity with
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Washington State and the United States to
Condemn and Challenge Violence, Harassment, and Hate

(PDF)


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