Proposed protections to end discrimination in housing and employment based on arrest / conviction record

In May 2010, residents of the Sojourner Place Women's Transitional Housing Program proposed that the City of Seattle make it against the law to discriminate against a person in employment and housing due to an arrest or conviction record. The Seattle Office for Civil Rights is working with community organizations, housing providers, employers and the general public to explore adding this protection.

This law would not apply to arrests or convictions that:

• Are directly related to the applicant's tenancy - for example, a conviction for arson.
• Create an unreasonable threat to the safety or welfare of employees, landlords, tenants or property.
• Involve jobs working with unsupervised children, vulnerable adults and law enforcement agencies.
• Directly relate to the job - for example, a conviction for embezzlement could exclude someone from being hired to handle money.

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights will be working with the public to develop a proposal by the end of December 2010 for consideration by Mayor Mike McGinn. City Council potentially could vote on the legislation in late February or early March. Members of the public will have more opportunities to weigh in on the proposal prior to a vote by Council.

For more information or to comment on this proposal: Please send your comments or questions to Brenda Anibarro at Brenda.Anibarro@seattle.gov or call 684-4514. The Seattle Office for Civil Rights will respond to you as well as take your input into account as this process moves forward. We also will add you to an email list for updates on the status of the proposal.

• Fact sheet on proposed protections to end discrimination in housing and employment based on arrest / conviction record
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Powerpoint on proposed protections to end discrimination in housing and employment based on arrest / conviction record