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King County Civil Rights Program
We enforce the County’s anti-discrimination laws in fair employment practices, open housing, public accommodations, and fair contracting, and serve as the County’s coordinator for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Our team conducts impartial investigations into civil rights complaints, works with departments and agencies to improve accessibility and equity, and refers individuals with appropriate resources when issues fall outside our jurisdiction.
We are committed to advancing civil rights, promoting inclusion, and building a more equitable King County for all.
Our Mission
Our mission is to eliminate unlawful discrimination through education, mediation, and enforcement that is responsive to a diverse King County.
Our Services
The Five W's of King County's Civil Rights Program
Our job is to make sure that everyone in King County has equal access to county buildings, programs, and services without discrimination by making sure the County follows anti-discrimination laws in:
- Employment
- Housing
- King County buildings/facilities, and businesses in unincorporated King County
- Contracting
The table below depicts the protected classes covered under each King County Code (KCC) and the deadline to file a complaint.
| Protected Class | KCC 12.17: Contracting | KCC 12.18: Employment | KCC 12.20: Housing | KCC 12.22: Public Accommodations | KCC 2.15: Citizenship & Immigration | Title VI | ADA/ Section 504 Rehab Act |
| Deadline to File Complaint | 180 days | Two (2) years | 365 days | 180 days | 180 days | 60 days | 60 days |
| Age except by min. age and retirement provisions | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Participation in the Section 8 program, alternative source of income, other housing subsidy | Y | ||||||
| Gender Identity or Expression | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Citizenship or Immigration Status | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Color | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Disability | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Ethnicity | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| English Proficiency | Y | ||||||
| Status as a Family Caregiver | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Marital Status | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Military or Veteran Status | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| National Origin | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Parental Status | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Race | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Religious Affiliation | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Sex | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Sexual Orientation | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
We also help the County comply with two important laws:
- Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects people with disabilities, and
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects people from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin
Our services and activities, include but are not limited to:
- Investigating Civil Rights Program complaints, Title II and Title VI violations,
- Working with County departments to improve accessibility and equity, and
- Connecting people with other resources if their issue is outside our area.
You can reach us through
email: civilrights@kingcounty.gov
phone: 206-263-2446 (TTY 7-1-1)
in-person (by appointment only): 401 5th Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104
How to File a Complaint
If you believe your civil rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint. To begin the process, complete the Civil Rights Inquiry Form.
Completing this inquiry form is the starting point to learn if the Civil Rights Program can investigate your discrimination claim. Completing this form does not mean you have filed a complaint. A member of our team will contact you after reviewing your inquiry form.
If you need assistance in completing the form or would like to request an alternative format, contact us at 206-263-2446 (TTY 7-1-1) or civilrights@kingcounty.gov.
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