About the Office of Civil Rights

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

Our Mission: To eliminate unlawful discrimination through education, mediation, and enforcement that is responsive to a diverse King County.

What We Do:

Implement Non-Discrimination Ordinances

OCR investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination, provides education, and offers other assistance in the following areas:

Fair Housing (non-discrimination in the rental, sale or financing of housing in unincorporated King County)
Fair Employment (non-discrimination in employment by King County government as an employer, contractors doing business with King County, and private employers in unincorporated King County with 8 or more employees)
Public Accommodations (non-discrimination in places of business in unincorporated King County which serve the public, such as restaurants, stores, medical offices, gas stations, etc.)
Fair Contracting Practices (non-discrimination by private parties in contracting in unincorporated King County and by County government in its own contracting)

In enforcing these ordinances, we work as impartial fact-finders. OCR does not represent any party.

Ensure Disability Access and Compliance

OCR works to ensure that King County government programs, facilities, and services are accessible to people with disabilities. People with disabilities who feel they have not been able to access such services may contact us to get information about their rights under various disability laws, referral to other resources for information and advocacy, or to file a grievance.

Ensure Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

As a recipient of federal funds, King County government must comply with federal laws which prohibit discrimination against people because of their race, color or national origin, and in some cases, sex, age or low income status. OCR, which is a resource to county agencies on compliance issues, also investigates complaints filed by the public alleging Title VI violations by the county.

How to Contact US:

Thank you for your interest in civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. Please contact us with your questions or comments about our work and our web site.

Office of Civil Rights
Yesler Building
400 Yesler Way, Room 260
Seattle, WA 98104-2683

Phone: 206-296-7592
TTY: 206-296-7596
FAX: 206-296-4329
E-mail: Civil-Rights.OCR@metrokc.gov

OCR office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Foreign language interpreters are available with advance notice. Accommodations (materials in alternate formats, sign language interpreters, etc.) are available for people with disabilities upon request with advance notice.

Access information: The accessible building entrance is on the north side of the Yesler Building on Terrace Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenue. The building is on a steep hill and we recommend that people with mobility disabilities approach from Fifth Avenue. Free parking is available for people with disabilities in the King County Garage on Fifth Avenue between Jefferson Street and Terrace Street.

OCR Site Map | OCR Map & Directions

Updated: Aug. 26, 2005

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