File a Complaint
The law protects you from discrimination and harassment in the workplace, housing, public spaces, and contracting. The Seattle Office for Civil Rights can investigate claims within Seattle city limits. If we cannot investigate your claim, we will try to refer you to another agency for help.
We are committed to protecting the status of immigrants and refugees. The City of Seattle is a Welcoming City that believes in equity and inclusion. Everyone is welcome here. When you contact our office or file a complaint, we will never ask about your immigration or citizenship status.
To ask a question or file a complaint:
- File a complaint online
- Call (206) 684-4500, TTY 7-1-1
- Visit our office in the Central Building
810 3rd Avenue, Suite 750
Seattle, WA 98104-1627
Our hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm - If you have general questions about civil rights or want to file a complaint, contact discrimination@seattle.gov
- If you are a business with questions, or need help with how to follow civil rights laws, contact discriminationquestions@seattle.gov
If you need a different language or format, call (206) 684-4500, TTY 7-1-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact our office as soon as you can after the incident. For employment and contracting, you must file your complaint with our office within 1.5 years of the incident. For housing and public places, you must file your complaint with our office within 1 year of the incident.
Our office provides free language interpretation. Let our staff know what you need, and we will arrange it.
Our services are free.
Gather evidence to give to the investigator. Write down what happened with dates, times, and names of people. Keep a log of events, which can be important if things are still happening. Save documents, reports, and emails related to your case.
Records kept by our office are subject to the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). During the intake meeting, you will have the option to request non-disclosure of identifiable information. The investigator will explain this to you and answer your questions. To request a public record, visit the city's public disclosure portal. You can also call (206) 685-4500 or visit our office.
Retaliation and harassment are illegal. If it occurs, you can file another complaint or sometimes be able to add it to your open complaint.
Yes, SOCR is a U Visa certifying agency. To learn more about how to submit a request, contact the Civil Rights Compliance Manager at (206) 727-3692. Do not send any requests or documents by mail or email.
If you experience hate and bias crimes such has assault or threats of harm based on your race, color, gender expression, or other protected class, you should report this to the Seattle Police Department (SPD). Visit SPD's Hate and Bias Crimes web page to learn more about how SPD can help.
To learn how to respond, visit our Respond to a Discrimination Complaint page.