File a Complaint
Know your rights. Protect Them.
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.
Under the law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination at work, in housing, in a public accommodation, or when seeking credit and insurance. A discrimination charge in employment, public accommodation, credit and insurance must be filed with WSHRC within six months from the date of the alleged violation in order to protect your rights. A discrimination charge in housing must be filed with the WSHRC within one year from the date of the alleged violation. Before filing a complaint, review the three lists below to make sure your complaint is (1) in our jurisdiction, (2) relates to a protected class, and (3) fits our investigative process.
1. Our Jurisdiction
Under the law, the Human Rights Commission can investigate complaints of alleged discrimination in the following areas:
- Employment
- Housing & Real Estate Housing
- Places of Public Accommodation
- Credit & Insurance
2. Protected Classes
Discrimination occurs whenever someone is treated differently or denied equal treatment or access because of their membership in a Protected Class.
- Race/Color
- National Origin
- Creed
- Sex/Pregnancy
- Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
- Veteran/Military Status
- The presence of any sensory, mental, or physical actual Disability or perceived Disability
- Use of a Service Animal
- HIV or Hepatitis C
- Marital Status (except in public accommodation)
- Breastfeeding (in public accommodation)
- Age (40+, employment only)
- Families with Children (housing only)
- State Employee Whistleblower
3. Investigative Process
Our role under the law is to gather facts about the situation and then determine whether there is cause to believe that discrimination occurred.
- RCW Requirements
- Intake Process
- Assignment to Investigators
- How the Investigation is Conducted
- Standard of Proof
- Types of Findings
- Review Process
- Availability of Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Attorney General Involvement
- Review by Federal Agencies
Complaint Forms
For Housing complaints and Credit complaints contact the WSHRC directly at 1-800-233-3247.
Employment Complaint Forms
Public Accommodation (P.A.) Complaint Forms
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