What We Do

2024-2026 Workplan

The Seattle Human Rights Commission's (SHRC) 2024-2026 work plan is an ambitious agenda to address serious, persistent human rights violations in Seattle. Together with other commissions, the Seattle Office for Civil Rights, elected officials, advocacy groups, and most importantly, the people experiencing these violations, we aim to reduce discrimination and address community needs. We’d like to hear from you and welcome public comment during our regular public meetings.

Committees

Discrimination Appeals Committee

The Seattle Human Rights Commission hears appeals after the Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) or Office of Labor Standards has received and investigated charges of discrimination  that have been filed and the office has issued a Finding and Determination. The Charging Party can file an appeal of SOCR's Findings with SHRC within 30 days of the issuance of the decision. If the Appeal meets the legal standards for an appeal, SHRC will schedule a hearing of the appeal to determine whether SOCR's decision should be affirmed or returned to the SOCR office for further investigation. The SHRC hears employment, housing and public accommodation cases. At least one member of the Appeals Committee is an attorney.

Read SHRR 40-365 - Appeals to human rights commission


Human Rights Day Planning Committee

The purpose of the Human Rights Day Planning Committee is to: Plan a celebration of Human Rights Day, which is celebrated internationally on December 10th each year, in commemoration of the 1948 United Nations adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Recognize an individual and an organization that have contributed to the advancement of human rights in the City of Seattle. Establish and present a youth human rights day award.


Bylaws

Bylaws, approved September 27, 2024

Seattle Human Rights Commission

The Seattle Human Rights Commission advises the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on human rights issues, elevating community voices to ensure a greater public awareness for human rights concerns and creating actionable objectives for local officials.