This page serves as a resource guide of federal, state and local agencies with whom you may file a human rights complaint. Please take a moment to review the multiple resources available that may assist you in what you are seeking. Complaints filed with the City of Spokane that are within the jurisdiction of other agencies or that do not fall within the jurisdiction of Title 18 complaint types will be forwarded to the appropriate agency.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to discriminate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered.
The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice works to uphold the civil constituational rights of all Americans. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status and national origin.
Listed below are the different areas of descrimination governed by the USDOJ, if your complaint qualifies under one of these areas please complete the USDOJ Complaint Form.
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. 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 WAHRC.
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.
Visit the Washington State Human Rights Commission webpage to learn more and to file a complaint. Complaint forms are available in English/Spanish, standard and fillable pdf.
WOEO helps families and schools resolve conflicts regarding parents', students', and others' rights and responsibilities within the state's public elementary and secondary education system through the provision of information and options for collaborative problem-solving. Facilitates communication between schools, districts, and families to solve student problems. Advocates for fairness and access for all students in Washington State public schools.
Listed below are the different areas of descrimination governed by the WOEO, if your complaint qualifies under one of these areas please complete the WOEO Complaint Form.
Northwest Fair Housing Alliance is a non-profit fair housing advocacy organization established in September 1994. They receive funding from federal, state, and local agencies and private entities to bring fair housing advocacy and training to 17 counties in Eastern and Central WA. Exists to eliminate housing discrimination and to ensure equal housing opportunity for the people of Washington State through education, counseling, and advocacy.
Northwest Fair Housing Alliance can help to file a complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Washington State Human Rights Commission if they feel they are being discriminated against in the terms or availability of housing on the basis of:
If you live within the City of Spokane municipal boundaries and believe you have been discriminated against based off of the proceedings under Title 18, please complete a complaint form.
Jerrall Haynes
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99201-3327
509.625.6729
jhaynes@spokanecity.org
