News from the Washington State Human Rights Commission
Inslee announces eviction moratorium “bridge”
Friday, June 25, 2021Gov. 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, 2021The 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, 2021Resolution 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
Inslee statement on Chauvin trial verdict
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Inslee statement on Chauvin trial verdict
April 20, 2021
Story
Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today regarding the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
"This was more than the death of one person. It was a trauma for George Floyd’s family, his children, the bystanders and indeed the entire nation. Weary families in so many communities, traumatized from images of brutality against Black and Brown people and feeling no power to stop it, can take heart today that justice was served in this instance. Yet, there is still much work to do. This is one step on a long journey we are just beginning.
"Today is a day for all to recommit themselves to a more perfect union, in their communities and in our nation. Let this be the beginning of progress rather than the end of one trial. Today’s sense of relief for some is fleeting. They know more must be done to prevent this from happening again and again. Too many live with this uncertainty. We must end systemic racism.
"In Washington, we are reforming independent investigations into police use of force; clarifying the requirements for tactics; increasing oversight and accountability for law enforcement officer conduct; and... more
WSHRC stands in solidarity with Asian and Pacific Islander Communities
Monday, March 22, 2021
The Washington State Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity and grieves with the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Washington and around the country. We condemn the anti-Asian rhetoric, harassment, and violence that has escalated in the last year. If anyone has experienced harassment at work, in housing, or in a place of public accommodation, please contact us to see if we can begin an investigation into the incident. The Human Rights Commission stands against hate in all of its forms and recognizes the difficult and tragic history of Asian Americans in this country. This type of discrimination must come to an end so everyone can live in safety, have peace of mind and reach their full potential.
(CAPAA) Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs: Resources
Inslee statement on rising cases of anti-Asian hate crimes
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Inslee statement on rising cases of anti-Asian hate crimes
March 9, 2021
Story
Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today in response to increasing and escalating acts of violence targeting Asians and Asian-Americans.
“Washington is a place where all people should feel safe and included. This is a welcoming state and I have a zero-tolerance policy for hate and racism. We must all condemn the acts of hate and violence displayed in the rising incidence of anti-Asian hate crimes in both Washington state and across the country. This is wholly unacceptable and must not stand.
“We saw this ugly trend surge a year ago, when COVID-19 first emerged in our state. One year later, we have a vaccine for the virus – but racism is still running rampant.
“Victims deserve support and justice. There are systems in place to ensure offenders face consequences for their unconscionable actions. I encourage victims to come forward and report their experience to local law enforcement.
“I stand in solidarity with... more
Social Security Recipients Will Automatically Receive Economic Impact Payments
Thursday, April 2, 2020The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive an Economic Impact Payment. Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm967
