Table of Contents
Message from the Manager
Our Mission
OCRE Overview
Service to the Community
OCRE's Role
Anti-Discrimination Laws Protect Everyone!
Enforcement: Fair Employment, Fair Housing, and Public
Accommodations
Complaints Received/Bases
Case Resolution
Education
Disability Access to Programs and Services
Award
2000 OCRE Goals
OCRE Team 1998-1999
How To Reach Us
Message from the Manager
For us here at OCRE, 1999 was a year of partnerships, old and new.
In 1999, we were celebrated for the effectiveness of one of our on-going efforts, our joint work with the three other Washington State fair housing agencies. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) honored our efforts with its Best Practices Award given to the top 100 projects in the country. Our collaboration has grown and matured since its beginnings in 1996 and it will continue to evolve.
This year, we also worked together with other King County divisions to develop a training program with the goal of eliminating discrimination in County government employment. We joined with another enforcement agency to develop and present new public workshops on rights and responsibilities under the fair housing, fair employment and public accommodations ordinances.
We look back with pride to the many successes of our current partnerships and look forward to new joint projects, exploring new strategies and coalitions. United, we can reach many more people in King County's diverse communities with the critical message that discrimination is illegal, wrong and bad for business and society. We'd like them to join us to end discrimination.
Thanks to all our partners and to all who are committed to fighting discrimination!
Bailey de Iongh
Manager, Office of Civil Rights Enforcement
We are a King County government office which seeks to eliminate discrimination through education, mediation, and enforcement that is responsive to the needs of a diverse King County.
OCRE OVERVIEW
The King County Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) was established to enforce the County ordinances prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations (public services like restaurants, gas stations and markets). OCRE also works to make sure that people with disabilities can use County services and facilities.
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Investigation, Mediation, Resolution, Education
People who feel they experienced discrimination in Housing, Employment and Public Accommodations can file complaints with our office. We explain the ordinances to them. We try to resolve complaints as quickly as possible, either through mediation or after a full investigation. If discrimination is found, we can order monetary compensation and other remedies to make sure the unlawful behavior does not happen again.
We also serve as the County’s ADA Title II Coordinator working to make sure the County is accessible to people with disabilities. We assist County departments in evaluating their programs and facilities. People who believe County departments have not been accessible may file grievances with us. We help resolve these grievances.
One of our important functions is to inform people of rights and responsibilities under the ordinances we enforce.
OCRE's ROLE
In investigating and resolving Fair Housing, Fair Employment and Public Accommodations cases, we act as an impartial third party advocating for the law. If discrimination is found, we make sure the victim is compensated.
In resolving disability access grievances, we work with County departments and the grievant to facilitate resolution of the issue, advocating for compliance with access laws.
In providing education about the ordinances, we strive to prevent violations and to let people know of our services.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS PROTECT EVERYONE!
The King County anti-discrimination laws protect everyone. Everyone who lives, works and visits King County benefits from effective enforcement of these important laws.
The anti-discrimination ordinances cover unincorporated King County and County government employment. We work to make sure all County government services, facilities and programs comply with disability access laws.
Employment
Three female County employees filed a complaint with OCRE because they believed that they had been insulted by demeaning statements of their male supervisor. They also noted he made derogatory statements to clients of the agency. With the parties' agreement, OCRE staff held two mediation sessions. The Charging Parties and the employer reached a no-fault pre-finding settlement. Provisions included a payment of monetary compensation, and a change in the employer's policies to improve supervisory oversight and accountability. The employer also developed policies to enhance staff opportunities to identify operational issues, and improve the lines of communication and complaint between upper level management and staff.
ENFORCEMENT:
Fair Employment, Fair Housing, and Public Accommodations
Complaints Received/Bases
During 1999, OCRE received 7 Fair Housing complaints, 21 Fair Employment complaints and no Public Accommodations complaints. Yearly filings under the three ordinances are shown in Chart 1. The bases for these complaints and the types of discrimination prohibited under each ordinance are shown in Chart 2.
Chart 1
| Types of Complaints | 1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
| Employment | 42(94) |
36(95) |
14(96) |
19(97) |
25(98) |
21(99) |
| Housing | 13(94) |
31(95) |
19(96) |
14(97) |
20(98) |
7(99) |
| Public Accommodations | 3(94) |
1(95) |
0(96) |
0(97) |
1(98) |
0(99) |
| Total Complaints Filed | 58(94) |
68(95) |
33(96) |
33(97) |
46(98) |
28(99) |
The top four issues raised in employment complaints in 1999 were "terms and conditions" (e.g., assignments, pay or discipline), terminations, failure to accommodate a person with a disability and retaliation. The top housing issues were "terms and conditions" (e.g., rules and their enforcement, parking policies and other tenancy-related circumstances), retaliation and eviction.
OCRE's goal is to resolve cases quickly. Staff are trained in mediation techniques and use them in appropriate cases. If the parties agree on terms of a resolution, a "pre-finding settlement" agreement is put into writing and signed. OCRE must agree that the terms serve the public interest. In 1999, one employment case and four housing cases were resolved through settlements. The terms of the settlements included training, monetary relief and other provisions suited to individual cases, including monitoring.
Chart 2
Bases for Complaints Filed 1999 |
|||
Fair
Housing |
Fair
Employment |
Public
Accommodations |
|
| Race | 2 (H) |
15 (E) |
0 (P) |
| National Origin | 0 (H) |
8 (E) |
0 (P) |
| Marital Status | 1 (H) |
0 (E) |
0 (P) |
| Retaliation | 4 (H) |
5 (E) |
NC (P) |
| Color | 0 (H) |
0 (E) |
0 (P) |
| Sex (gender) | 1 (H) |
8 (E) |
0 (P) |
| Sexual Orientation | 1 (H) |
1 (E) |
0 (P) |
| Religion | 0 (H) |
1 (E) |
0 (P) |
| Age | 0 (H) |
2 (E) |
0 (P) |
| Disability | 2 (H) |
3 (E) |
0 (P) |
| Section 8 | 1 (H) |
NC (E) |
NC (P) |
| Parental Status | 1 (H) |
NC (E) |
0 (P) |
| Ancestry | 0 (H) |
0 (E) |
0 (P) |
Each case
can allege more than one reason for discrimination. |
|||
In 1999, OCRE "administratively closed" 11 employment cases. These closures fell into the following categories:
3 Charging Parties withdrew charges
4 Charging Parties sought relief in court or with another agency
4 OCRE had no jurisdiction
In four cases, OCRE assisted in mediation which resulted in a withdrawal with a settlement.
Eight employment and five housing cases were closed after full investigations and a finding there was "no reasonable cause" to believe discrimination occurred. Charging parties can request reconsideration of "no cause" findings.
In one housing case, OCRE found "reasonable cause" to believe that discrimination occurred and was able to resolve the matter after the OCRE manager ordered compensation to the injured party, payment of attorney’s fees and other terms. See Chart 3.
Chart 3
Closures in 1999 |
||
| Types of Closures | Employment (E) | Housing (H) |
| Withdrawals with Settlement | 4 (E) |
0 (H) |
| Other Administrative Closures | 11 (E) |
0 (H) |
| Pre-finding Settlements | 1 (E) |
4 (H) |
| No Reasonable Cause Findings | 8 (E) |
5 (H) |
| Reasonable Cause Findings | 0 (E) |
1 (H) |
| Total Closures | 24 (E) |
10 (H) |
In 1999, OCRE continued to expand its means of informing people of their rights and responsibilities under the ordinances.
OCRE continued its lead role in the unique partnership of state, local and federal fair housing agencies. The agencies presented quarterly trainings for managers and appeared together at other events such as the Trends Conference (a housing trade fair) in November. Together the agencies published the "Washington State Fair Housing Update," with Tacoma Human Rights Department coordinating. In April, we produced a luncheon for Fair Housing Month, featuring Eva Plaza from HUD.
OCRE staff also presented group training to companies and associations interested in fair housing, including local lenders. We distributed our training manual "Fair Housing Guidelines for Property Owners and Managers."
In partnership with the King County Ombudsman and the King County Board of Ethics, OCRE presented the seminar "Resources, Rights, Responsibilities" twice in 1999 to County employees.
New this year were seminars in the community on fair housing and fair employment, with separate sessions for employers and employees, housing providers and tenants. We intend to expand this program which was developed jointly with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
The OCRE website that debuted in 1998 has been expanding dramatically. Fair Housing information from past "Update" issues has been added, along with new information on disability access. We are very open to suggestions about what to add!
Housing
Three families from an apartment complex (one Hispanic, one African American and one Samoan) filed complaints alleging discrimination involving being given notices to vacate and problems with repairs. The Respondents and Charging Parties chose to resolve the issues with pre-finding settlement agreements. Respondents attended training and changed their policies on notices to comply. Respondents also provided neutral references for the Charging Parties and cleared court records of any unlawful detainer actions, including setting aside monetary judgments against the Charging Parties.
DISABILITY ACCESS TO PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
King County continued its active commitment to the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability access laws, which provide civil rights protection for people with disabilities in accessing government services. OCRE Disability Compliance Specialists (DCSs) serve as the county’s ADA Title II Coordinators.
Accessibility Evaluation of Programs and Services. OCRE DSCs and county staff reviewed departmental corrective action plans to improve accessibility of programs and services. OCRE’s continued technical assistance and training will support effective implementation of the plans.
Training. The DCSs provided staff training on access laws and reasonable accommodations to several King County departments. They also developed training materials on many topics including disability language and "etiquette," service animals, working with sign language interpreters, and providing alternate formats (Braille, large print, etc.).
504/ADA Advisory Committee. This volunteer, community-based committee serves in an advisory capacity to the King County Executive to help ensure accessibility of all County facilities, programs, and services. The Committee reviewed drafts of the County’s Disability Access Policy, grievance procedure, and Affirmative Action Plan.
Disability Employment Awareness Month. We worked with the County’s Office of Human Resources/Diversity Management Services to create a series of web pages highlighting employment and access issues.
Grievances. The DCSs received four grievances alleging discrimination by King County in the provision of programs and services, and resolved five grievances. OCRE works with both the grievant and County department to resolve grievances, to eliminate barriers, and to enhance access.
Disability Access: King County Sets Up TTY Accessible Menu!
Some King County departments use telephone voice menus to improve service. Hearing individuals can call some King County offices anytime, day or night, and get information by using the voice menus and selecting needed information by pressing numbers on the telephone keypad. King County wanted to be sure that TTY users could access the same information.
As a pilot project, the Records and Elections Division implemented a TTY menu, extending voter outreach to as many citizens as possible to encourage both voter registration and voting. With the new system, voice and TTY callers can obtain the same information -- how to register to vote; how to get a one-time or on-going absentee ballots; upcoming election dates; and deadlines to register to vote. The success of this pilot project will lead to the development of other parallel voice/TTY menus in County agencies.
AWARD: 1999 HUD Best Practices Award
OCRE was very proud to receive the 1999 HUD Best Practices Award, awarded jointly to OCRE, the Seattle Office for Civil Rights, the Tacoma Human Rights and Human Services Department, and the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The award honors 100 projects throughout the country which demonstrate leadership and initiative in affirmatively furthering fair housing. The Washington State agencies’ joint trainings, newsletters, other events and teamwork were praised by HUD.
2000 OCRE GOALS include:
- Increase access to and awareness of rights and responsibilities under King County non-discrimination ordinances and other civil rights laws.
- Promote and facilitate compliance with laws and regulations to ensure non-discrimination.
- Expand existing and develop new collaborative working relationships to increase OCRE’s effectiveness.
- Provide a positive and supportive work environment for staff, fostering teamwork and personal development.
Special Project: King County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
OCRE is honored each year to coordinate the County’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, presented by a committee of employees from most County departments. In 1999, the Celebration moved to a new locale--Benaroya Hall! The January 14 program featured former Seattle Fire Chief Claude Harris as speaker. Jazz musicians, choirs and dancers filled the stage before an overflow crowd. The calendar this year carried out the theme "Upholding the Legacy," by featuring artwork by Tobias Jean, entitled "Healing by Transformation: the Butterfly Wing."
OCRE TEAM 1998-1999
Current Team Members
Faygele benMiriam, Office Coordinator
Karen Buehler, Office Technician
Bailey de Iongh, Manager
Leticia Fraga, Civil Rights Specialist
John "Sandy" Macdonald, Civil Rights Specialist
Karen Murray, Civil Rights Specialist
Eli O'Herlihey, Special Projects Assistant
Karen Ozmun, Disability Compliance Specialist
Dixie Shaw, Civil Rights Specialist
Roxanne Vierra, Disability Compliance Specialist
Former Team Members
Tom Graham, Database Development
Krist Lam, Student Assistant
Karen Norton, Civil Rights Specialist
Donida Pennewell, Student Assistant
Brent Wilson, Support
Department of Information and Administrative Services
Sheryl Whitney, Director
Jim Buck, Deputy Director
Ruben Rivera, Confidential Secretary
Anne Bruskland, Administrative Assistant
"It isn't that they can't see the solution, it's that they can't see the problem."
-- G.K. Chesterton
HOW TO REACH US
We want everyone to understand their rights and responsibilities under the laws.
We are available to answer your questions whether you are a landlord or a tenant, employer or employee, or if you provide or use public accommodations. We can also answer questions relating to disability access to county services and facilities.
We also provide training sessions and written materials on selected topics. Please contact us for more information. We welcome your suggestions. We want to hear from you!
King County Office of Civil Rights
400 Yesler Way, Room 260
Seattle, WA 98104-2683206-296-7592
206-296-7596 TTY
e-mail: civil-rights.ocr@metrokc.gov
www.metrokc.gov/dias/ocre
This report is available in alternate formats upon request.
Please note: OCR moved to the Yesler Building in Dec. 2000 |
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