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Welcome to the Office for Civil Rights Web site

Text Version                                   En Espaņol

At the Seattle Office for Civil Rights, we envision a city where all people enjoy equal rights, equal opportunity and freedom from illegal discrimination. SOCR promotes racial and social justice for everyone in Seattle through education, policy work, and enforcement of civil rights laws.

Seattle Office for Civil Rights opens comment period for amendments to appeals rules

June 22, 2009: The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) has proposed amending the Seattle Human Rights Rules governing the appeals process in civil rights cases. Members of the public have until July 24, 2009 to comment on the proposed rules change. The proposed amendments shall become effective on August 8, 2009.

The changes to the rules are intended to make it easier for people who are considering filing an appeal of a no reasonable cause finding to understand and participate in the process. The changes also clarify the functions of the Human Rights Appeals Committee.

Read the full text of the revised rules; Seattle Human Rights Rules Chapter 46 - Appeals Rules The authorizing legislation is contained in SMC 3.14.911: Adoption of Rules.

Press Release

SOCR welcomes feedback from members of the public regarding the proposed rule amendments. You can send written comments to: Felicia Yearwood-Murrell or in writing to:

 Seattle Office for Civil Rights
 810 Third Ave., Suite 750
 Seattle, WA 98104-1627
 Attn: Felicia Yearwood

Here is more of what you can discover on our site:

• Learn how to file a discrimination complaint in housing, employment, public accommodations and contracting.
• Link to the web sites of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, Seattle Women’s Commission and Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities.
• Browse through our brochures, booklets and information cards on a variety of topics.
• View our publications translated into other languages.
• Learn about the Mayor's Race and Social Justice Initiative.
• Link to the “Employing Immigrants” web site for quick and easy access to information on immigration-related employment law.

We have created a text-only version of the site for people who use a screen reader, as well as a Spanish-language version. If you have any trouble accessing any part of our web site, please let us know as soon as possible.

Thanks for visiting,

Julie Nelson, Director