Enforces state anti-discrimination laws in the following areas: - Employment - Housing & Real Estate Housing - Places of Public Accommodation - Credit & Insurance Those who feel discriminated against may file a complaint within six months of the occurrence of the act, or one year in cases of alleged housing discrimination.

Investigates and resolves complaints regarding discrimination or discriminatory harassment in employment, contracting, places of public accommodation, and housing occurring within the city of Seattle. The Fair Employment Practices Ordinance of Seattle prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical, mental, or sensory), the use of a guide dog, sexual orientation, ancestry, political ideology, creed, marital status, genetic information and veteran status.    The Unfair Housing Practices Ordinance of Seattle prohibits discrimination in housing based on : -  Age -  Race -  Color -  National origin -  Ancestry   -  Religion -  Gender -  Sexual orientation -  Political ideology -  Marital status -  Parental status -  Disability -  Veteran status -  Creed -  Use of a service animal   -  Criminal History (use of background check prohibited) -  Source of income (includes use of Section 8 voucher and public benefits)   Discrimination related to AIDS/HIV is prohibited under the disabilities provisions of Seattle ordinances and state law. This includes people who have or are perceived to have AIDS.    Ordinances for Landlord/Tenants also include: -  Screening criteria must be provided to tenants -  Units must be rented to first applicant that submits a completed application unless there is a legitimate denial reason -  When denied, written notice that includes registry of denial basis must be provided to tenants    The Public Accommodations Ordinance of Seattle prohibits discrimination in any public accommodation based on race, color, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, women breastfeeding in public, use of a trained guide or service dog, or the presence of any disability (sensory, mental, physical, or veteran status).   The Fair Contracting Ordinance of Seattle prohibits discrimination in contracting based on race, color sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or the presence of any disability (sensory, mental or physical. )   These laws also protect against harassment and retaliation due to involvement in a discrimination complaint. Advance notice needed for an interpreter.

Provides disability rights information, technical assistance for disability issues, general information about legal rights, strategies about how to become a stronger self-advocate, information sheets on a wide range of subjects to empower individuals with disabilities to better advocate for themselves, community education and training, and some legal services for disability rights violations. Focuses legal resources on systemic cases that will improve service systems for people with disabilities. Disability Rights Washington has attorneys and law student interns who provide Technical Assistance on specific information related to our ongoing systemic work and to people calling from treatment facilities. If you are calling about an education issue related to disability in school, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) or foster care related issues, supported living and waiver services, or your rights as they relate to a treatment facility, we have appointments and can schedule you with staff. If you are a Social Security disability beneficiary under full retirement age experiencing a barrier to employment, including issues with paratransit, difficulty accessing job training and employment services, loss of ongoing employment supports, lack of access to assistive technology needed to work, or other issues that prevent you from getting or keeping employment, you can call and schedule an appointment with staff. Does not provide representation or advice for: - Criminal law - Family law - Assistance becoming the guardian of an individual with a disability - Out-of-state issues - Workers compensation - General medical malpractice & personal injury - General consumer bankruptcy issues - Any issue or problem not directly related to your disability - Assistance finding employment, housing or financial assistance - Assistance filling out forms & Social Security applications - Anything that is not the wish of the person with the disability

Provides MEDIATION services only. Does NOT mediate dissolutions (divorce) or child custody matters. Does NOT offer any legal advice. Parties voluntarily negotiate the settlement of their disputes with an impartial third party. The parties decide the outcome of the mediation, rather than a judge or arbitrator. The mediator serves to guide the process, mediators are second- and third-year law students under the supervision of law faculty. Typical mediation cases include: - Buyer/Seller - Real Estate Issues - Consumer/Business - Co-workers - Employer/Employee - Housemates/Roommates - Landlord/Tenant - Neighbors - Student/Staff - General Civil Litigation

Works to stop police harassment and all acts of police violence against children and adults.   Maintains a 24-hour phone line to report police violence and offers support to those filing complaints against police departments.   Agency does not hire investigators.

Advocates for justice and equal opportunity, advises the city of Seattle on human rights issues, and collaborates with public and private sectors to educate them on methods to prevent and eliminate discrimination citywide.   Consults and makes recommendations concerning the development of programs that promote equality and justice. Conducts investigations and holds hearings to identify and deal with acts of discrimination, assists in resolving racial tensions in the areas of housing and employment, and hears appeals based on charges of discrimination that have been filed with the Seattle Office for Civil Rights for investigation. Advance notice needed for a language interpreter.

Enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. These laws protect against employment discrimination when it involves: -  Unfair treatment - Unequal pay for equal work -  Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in the workplace -  Denial of a reasonable workplace accommodation needed because of religious beliefs or disability -  Retaliation because of a complaint about job discrimination, or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit   Also enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits private employers and state and local governments from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment, including hiring, promotions and firing.   Resolves complaints through conciliation or litigation where probable cause exists to believe that discrimination occurred.   Cannot process complaints of discrimination based on: -  Marital status -  Political ideology -  Parental status Many states and local jurisdictions have their own anti-discrimination laws, and agencies responsible for enforcing those laws (Fair Employment Practices Agencies, or FEPAs). If you file a charge with a FEPA, it will automatically be "dual-filed" with EEOC if federal laws apply. You do not need to file with both agencies.

Through a partnership with the Whatcom Civil Rights Project, this program provides legal assistance and advocacy to people who have experienced discrimination and civil rights violations.

This is a partner legal clinic operated by the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington. King County Bar Association schedules clients for appointments for this clinic. Provides a free 30 minute consultation with an attorney on federal civil rights legal issues. *Most appointments via telephone with limited in-person availability in Seattle. Legal Clinic Schedulers will provide clients with more information during the intake process* Prioritizes clients with issues such as - Inmates receiving inadequate medical care or inadequate counsel as well as other inadequate conditions of confinement - Employment discrimination - Sexual harassment - Cases involving police misconduct Also advises individuals on issues such as - Americans with Disabilities Act - Discrimination based on any protected class - Discrimination related to race or gender - Prisoner rights and/or prison mistreatment - Excessive force - Search and seizure - Free speech - Voting rights - Gun rights - Title II Housing - Unlawful sentence - Ineffective assistance of counsel (In a criminal case ONLY- where an attorney's mistakes were the reason you lost your case) - Existing cases in federal court Clinic attorneys can do the following: - Determine whether the client has a legal problem - Suggest possible options - Help answer papers, summons and requests - Provide appropriate referrals Clinic attorneys have expertise in civil rights law. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Supports civil rights legislation and opposes racial discrimination.  Ensures that all students have access to an equal and high-quality education by eliminating racial and ethnic disparities.  Also works to combat discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and health care. Empowers African Americans and people of color by increasing awareness and participation in the electoral process.

Provides free civil legal services for youth and young adults between ages 12-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

The ACLU-WA participates in "impact litigation" designed to protect civil rights and civil liberties for large numbers of Washington residents. Does NOT typically provide legal representation to individual complainants and is not a general legal services provider. Through the Information and Referral Program (IRP), DOES provide: - "Know your rights" and legal self-help literature - Referrals to appropriate agencies and organizations In some areas of ACLU emphasis, is able to provide limited advocacy or more specialized advice. The ACLU is particularly active in the following issue areas: - Freedom of expression and freedom of religion - Police practices and accountability - Student rights, school discipline, and education issues - LGBTQ issues - Voting rights - Houseless issues - Sentencing reform - Health Care - Technology and Privacy

Ensures equal access to certain health and human services, protects the privacy and security of health information and investigates discrimination on the bases of conscience or religious freedom. Civil Rights Complaint Investigates complaints of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex (including sex stereotyping and gender identity), or religion in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance. Also investigates complaints of discrimination based on disability by a state or local government health care or social services agency.   HIPAA Complaint Investigates complaints that a Health Insurance Portability/Accountability Act-covered entity or its business associate violated health information privacy rights. OCR can investigate complaints against covered entities (health plans, health care clearinghouses, or health care providers that conduct certain transactions electronically) and their business associates. Conscience and Religious Freedom Complaint Investigates complaints that a covered entity discriminated on the basis of conscience or religious freedom, coerced someone to violate your conscience or religious beliefs, or burdened someone's free exercise of religion

Provides information and referrals for City of Seattle government services, such as whom to call and general operational issues. Provides information on city government department policies, procedures and codes.  Investigates complaints lodged against city of Seattle offices. (NOTE: Does not handle complaints regarding elected officials). Provides a neutral forum to file a complaint, suggestion or an opinion about a city department or service. Publishes Customer Information Guide yearly.  Conducts an impartial investigation of customer's allegations of unfairness by a city department. Recommends appropriate action and/or changes in policy and procedures to city departments or the Mayor. Provides an alternate forum for citizens to report concerns about police conduct. The Customer Service Bureau will receive and document concerns about police and file them with the Seattle Police Department Office of Police Accountability Investigation section.

Supports civil rights legislation and opposes racial discrimination. Investigates civil rights complaints and may refer to the proper agency/authority/attorney to handle the complaint. Participates in arbitration, mediation and other dispute resolution involving civil rights issues. Is not law firm, does not have a staff of attorneys and does not give legal advice.

Chinese Information and Service Center, Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service partner with the King County Bar Association to provide a free legal clinic. Pro bono attorneys work with staff and volunteer interpreters to give consultation and legal advice around family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law, and other areas. As of 9/2024, most consults are virtual but in-person appointments may be available if needed (more information provided to clients during intake phone call). Call (206) 957-8544 for an appointment. Appointments are typically Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM. International District Legal Clinic Chinese Information and Services Center 611 S Lane St. Seattle, WA 98144

Offers legal representation for issues that affect large numbers of women or set legal precedents in the Pacific Northwest. Services are available only for selected cases in areas such as:   Discrimination in employment: -  Employment discrimination or other adverse employment actions against survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking -  Refusal of employer to provide leave to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking -  Change in terms of employment based on status as a parent or caregiver -  Change in terms of employment based on pregnancy -  Employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression   Discrimination in schools, including athletic equity and schools' mishandling of sexual harassment or sexual assault.   Family law: -  Discrimination against DV survivors by CPS: Children removed from a parent's care based on allegations that the parent failed to protect children from domestic violence by the other parent -  Refusal of court to order abuser to surrender weapons in a DV Protection Order case or appeals filed by an abuser ordered to surrender weapons -  Abusive litigation against survivors of domestic violence -  Alleged father seeks parental rights for a child conceived as a result of sexual assault -  Parental rights terminated due to parent's incarceration   Nonconsensual pornography AKA "revenge porn": Cases in which private, intimate images of a person are distributed without her or his consent   Anti-LGBTQ discrimination, such as: -  Unfavorable treatment of LGBTQ parents in family law cases -  Denial of insurance coverage for transgender persons  Denial of access to health care, including: -  Reproductive health care, including abortion, contraception, or emergency contraception -  Health care for LGBTQ patients -  Health care or other services for incarcerated women

Supports civil rights legislation and opposes racial discrimination.  Ensures that all students have access to an equal and high-quality education by eliminating racial and ethnic disparities.  Also works to combat discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and health care. Empowers African Americans and people of color by increasing awareness and participation in the electoral process.

Supports civil rights legislation and opposes racial discrimination.  Ensures that all students have access to an equal and high-quality education by eliminating racial and ethnic disparities.  Also works to combat discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and health care. Empowers African Americans and people of color by increasing awareness and participation in the electoral process.

Supports civil rights legislation and opposes racial discrimination.  Ensures that all students have access to an equal and high-quality education by eliminating racial and ethnic disparities.  Also works to combat discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and health care. Empowers African Americans and people of color by increasing awareness and participation in the electoral process.

Offers legal representation in cases with a likelihood of success in establishing positive legal precedents that will affect lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people (LGBT) and people with HIV or AIDS.   Pursues litigation in all areas of the law that affect LGBT individuals and people with HIV/AIDS, including: -  Marriage & Family -  Workplace equality and employment discrimination -  Immigration -  Health Care, including discrimination and breach of confidentiality -  Fair Courts -  Government and police misconduct   Provides targeted advocacy and outreach for: -  Teens & Young Adults -  Transgender individuals -  Seniors -  Those with HIV or AIDS -  Latinos -  Those experiencing discrimination rooted in intersecting identities such as race or class   Offers resources, publications and information about related issues when unable to provide representation and to support self-advocacy.

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney. Focus is on Korean and Korean-speaking clients. Clinic attorneys can: -  Determine whether the client has a legal problem -  Suggest possible options -  Help answer papers, summons and requests -  Provide appropriate referrals   Neighborhood legal clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Supports civil rights legislation and opposes racial discrimination.  Ensures that all students have access to an equal and high-quality education by eliminating racial and ethnic disparities.  Also works to combat discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and health care. Empowers African Americans and people of color by increasing awareness and participation in the electoral process.

Supports civil rights legislation and opposes racial discrimination.  Ensures that all students have access to an equal and high-quality education by eliminating racial and ethnic disparities.  Also works to combat discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and health care. Empowers African Americans and people of color by increasing awareness and participation in the electoral process.

Operates a legal clinic providing a free 30-minute consultation with an attorney (60 minutes if an interpreter or other accommodation is needed) Clinic is open to all, but particular focus is on providing culturally-informed legal services in a safe and welcoming environment to individuals who identify as African American or Black. This clinic is staffed primarily by attorneys of color. Clinic attorneys can: -  Determine whether the client has a legal problem -  Suggest possible options -  Help answer papers, summons and requests -  Provide appropriate referrals   Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.