Back to Table of Contents

The Human Rights Department enforces the Seattle Fair Employment Practices Ordinance and Open Housing and Public Accommodations Ordinance, and develops outreach and public education programs to help reduce incidents of discrimination. The Department was created in 1969, replacing a small Office of Human Rights in the Executive Department. In 1980 all employment and housing discrimination functions were consolidated under HRD with transfer of certain enforcement responsibilities from the Office of Women's Rights (8400). In 1995 the Compliance Unit which monitored and enforced the Women and Minority Business Enterprise Ordinance was moved to the Department of Administrative Services and HRD's affirmative action monitoring function was transferred to the Personnel Department.

Departmental policies and plans for implementation of the City's Affirmative Action program for hiring and promoting minority and women employees.

RA

Chronological and subject correspondence of the Handicapped Services Unit in the Department of Human Resources. Records were transferred to the Human Rights Department Affirmative Action Unit in 1981.

RA
Container List

The 12-member Human Rights Commission was established in 1963 to promote equality and understanding among Seattle residents, and to study, investigate, and make recommendations regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin. The Commission reported to the Executive Department. In 1969, with creation of the Human Rights Department, the Commission's function became more advisory. It makes recommendations to the Department and conducts hearings relating to housing and employment discrimination.

Minutes of the Commission and its subcommittees.

UW

Correspondence, reports, studies, newsletters, and reference material relating to the activities of the Human Rights Commission prior to creation of the Human Rights Department.

UW
Container List