On June 4, the Washington State Human Rights Commission’s office leadership visited Spokane and had a gathering with various individuals, including Spokane city officials, members of the Police Ombuds, members of the city’s Human Rights Commission, Spokane NAACP and other distinguished guests.
The Washington state Human Rights Commission Executive Director Andreta Armstrong, emphasized the importance of building stronger connections with organizations and community members in Spokane and the East Side of the state. During the meeting, the guests shared personal stories and provided examples of the challenges faced by residents in Spokane.
Armstrong concluded the meeting by highlighting the Human Rights Commission’s work in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodation, credit, and insurance processes, and discussed how local communities can access their services. The meeting took place at JasminHill Events and was hosted by Human Rights Commissioner, Pastor Luc Jasmin. For more information, please visit the Human Rights Commission at hum.wa.gov.
About the state Human Rights Commission
Established in 1949, the Washington state Human Rights Commission is responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 of the Revised Code of Washington.
The Human Rights Commission is a neutral, fact-finding law enforcement agency; it does not act as an advocate for any party during an investigation, but advocates for the law in the interest of preventing and eliminating discrimination. You may still consult with and have an attorney if you are filing a complaint with the WSHRC.
Discriminatory practices on the basis of protected class are illegal in the areas of:
Employment
Housing & Real Estate
Places of Public Accommodation
Credit & Insurance
Protected Classes include:
Race/Color (including hairstyle)
National Origin
Citizenship/Immigration Status
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
Marital Status (except in public accommodation)
Breastfeeding (in public accommodation)
Age (40-plus, employment only)
Families with Children (housing only)
State Employee Whistleblower
It is also illegal to retaliate against any individual who files or participates in a discrimination complaint.
The Spokane office is located at Rock Pointe Plaza III, 1330 N. Washington St., Suite 2460.
The headquarters in Olympia are located at 711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 402, or can by reached by mail at P.O. Box 42490 or by phone at (360) 753-6770.
For additional information or questions, or wish to have training for your organization, please contact the WSHRC at (360) 753-6770 or at (800) 233-3247.