Complaints: Employment, Housing, Public Accommodations and Contracting Practices
Complaints Received-Bases of Complaints
In 2000, we received 20 fair employment cases, 9 fair housing cases, and 1 public accommodations case. Yearly filings under the three ordinances are presented in Chart 1. The contracting practices ordinance was passed in December 2000 and we have not yet received any contracting cases. The types of discrimination alleged in the complaints and the grounds for discrimination prohibited by the ordinances are shown in Chart 2.
The top issues in employment complaints filed in 2000 were terms and conditions (assignments, pay, discipline, etc.) and termination. In housing, the most frequent problem raised was terms and conditions (rules and their enforcement and other tenancy-related circumstances).
Chart 1
| Types of
Complaints |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
| Employment |
36(95) |
14(96) |
19(97) |
25(98) |
21(99) |
20(00) |
| Housing |
31(95) |
19(96) |
14(97) |
20(98) |
7(99) |
9(00) |
| Public Accommodations |
1(95) |
0(96) |
0(97) |
1(98) |
1(99) |
1(00) |
| Total Complaints Filed |
68(95) |
33(96) |
33(97) |
46(98) |
28(99) |
30(00) |
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Housing
An African American homeseeker viewed a home and saw covenants provided by the real estate agent that applied to the land. The old covenants prohibited people who are not white from living on the land except as servants. The homeseeker was upset and hurt. An investigation cleared the seller. However, OCRE found that the real estate agents were liable for publishing the statement. The parties agreed to resolve the matter with damages to the homeseeker, training and monitoring for the real estate staff. |
Chart 2
Bases for Complaints Filed 2000 |
| |
Fair Employment
KCC 12.18
(E) |
Fair Housing
KCC 12.20
(H) |
Public
Accommodations
KCC 12.22(P) |
| Race |
10 (E) |
6 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Color |
0 (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| National Origin |
0 (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Religion |
1 (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Sex (gender) |
8 (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Disability |
4 (E) |
3 (H) |
1 (P) |
| Parental Status |
n/a (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Retaliation |
6 (E) |
3 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Marital Status |
0 (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Age |
3 (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Ancestry |
0 (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Sexual Orientation |
1 (E) |
0 (H) |
0 (P) |
| Section 8 |
n/a (E) |
3 (H) |
n/a (P) |
| Total Complaints * |
20 (E) |
9 (H) |
1 (P) |
* Each case may allege more than one reason for discrimination. |
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Case Resolution
We work with all parties to resolve cases quickly. If the parties agree to an early resolution and OCRE believes the resolution is in the public interest, we document the agreement in writing and monitor the terms of this "pre-finding settlement." In 2000, one employment case and four housing cases were resolved early by settlements. Terms of the settlements included monetary payments, policy changes, training and other appropriate remedies.
Last year, OCRE "administratively closed" 14 cases for various reasons including withdrawal, the Charging Party's desire to seek relief in court or with another agency and the settlement of the issue elsewhere.
Nine employment cases and two public accommodations cases were investigated fully and closed with a finding that there was "no reasonable cause" to believe that discrimination occurred. Charging Parties can request reconsideration of "no cause" findings.
In one housing case, OCRE found "reasonable cause" to believe discrimination occurred. The parties were able to reach an agreement after the OCRE manager ordered compensation to the injured party, training of staff and reporting.
Chart 3
| Type of Closure |
Employment (E) |
Housing
(H) |
| Withdrawal/Closure with Settlement |
3 (E) |
0 (H) |
| Other Administrative Closures |
11 (E) |
3 (H) |
| Pre-finding Settlements |
1 (E) |
4 (H) |
| No Reasonable Cause Findings |
10 (E) |
0 (H) |
| Reasonable Cause Findings |
0 (E) |
1 (H) |
| Total Closures |
25 (E) |
8 (H) |
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Education on the Ordinances
Education continues to be an OCRE priority--from the informal intake and referrals we handle every day to the formal presentations we make to large groups.
We continue our award winning partnership with other Washington State fair housing agencies. The partnership presented quarterly joint trainings in 2000 and staffed an information booth at the Trends housing trade-fair held in November. Tacoma Human Rights and Human Services coordinated our publication, the "Washington State Fair Housing Update," with contributions from each agency. We also joined with Tacoma in sponsoring their April Fair Housing Conference. The partnership has been awarded a grant in 2001 to implement targeted outreach to new immigrants. We are very excited about this opportunity.
OCRE staff made fair housing presentations to several private companies and a state agency. We met with community members to discuss OCRE responsibilities. Staff also presented to an overview of civil rights to a college class.
Further development of our web site was a major focus this year. Greatly revised for ease of use, the web site contains more information and links to web sites. The "Frequently Asked Questions" pages continue to be popular. We have recently added an online version of the "Washington State Fair Housing Update."
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Disability Access
OCRE teamed with representatives from nine County departments in the Accessible Print Materials Task Force, with the goal of establishing guidelines for County department staff to use in creating accessible written materials. The Task Force developed the Accessible Print Materials Checklist for use by County staff who create brochures, newsletters, reports and other informational materials. The checklist provides guidance to meet legal requirements as well as suggestions for general printing and readability.
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Disability Access to Programs and Services
King County's OCRE Disability Compliance Specialists (DCSs) serve as the county's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Coordinators. Their on-going work with management and staff through technical assistance, training, publications and on-site assessments helps ensure compliance with ADA and other disability access laws.
Training and Outreach
The DCSs continued to provide tailored training sessions for a wide variety of County units and programs. On July 21, 2000, OCRE co-sponsored the gala ADA tenth anniversary celebration held at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. In November, OCRE's DCSs conducted two all-day training sessions for departmental ADA Liaisons, providing an overview of disability access laws, technical assistance handouts and speakers with disabilities who related their own experiences with accessibility and accommodations.
§504/ADA Advisory Committee:
During 2000, the Section 504/ADA Advisory Committee (ADAAC) developed close working relationships with other disability-related advisory boards and commissions in King County. The group reviewed and commented on the County's applicant/employee disability certification form and Affirmative Action plan with specific interest in the goals for employment of people with disabilities. The ADAAC reviewed access issues pertaining to mental health, public transportation, curb cuts, parking and pedestrian safety. The Committee grew from three to nine members and established a website at www.metrokc.gov/dias/ocre/advisory.htm. Committee information is also available from OCRE.
Disability Employment Awareness Month:
During Disability Awareness Month in October, OCRE and the Office of Human Resources Management teamed with other County departments to create a poster display highlighting County employment and programs access for people with disabilities. A series of informative web pages focused on less well-known disabilities.
Grievances
OCRE's role is to work with the grievant as well as the County department to resolve access grievances. We received one formal grievance alleging discrimination by King County in the provision of programs and services, which was resolved. In addition, OCRE DCSs received other calls and e-mail messages from the public on access issues. We provided technical assistance to resolve these issues informally.
Emergency Evacuation Plan Review
We began a review of the County's emergency plans to ensure that provisions were made for the safe evacuation of people with disabilities (e.g., employees, jurors, parks programs participants, customers). We developed a training handout for department "floor wardens" who assist with evacuation and continue to provide technical assistance in the development of site-specific plans.
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Special Project: Bridging Cultures-Celebrating Differences
King County honored its namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at its annual celebration held January 13 at the elegant and historic 5th Avenue Theatre. Coordinated by OCRE and presented by a group of employees serving throughout county government, the event featured speakers Bill Wassmuth and the Rev. Leslie David Braxton, along with a powerful performance on the Civil Rights movement. The lively singers, dancers and drummers had the audience members tapping their feet! Other highlights of the celebration were the annual MLK Humanitarian Awards presented to the employee-based AA/EEO Committee and Kathy Carson of the Health Department, and new Student Essay awards, which went to three eighth grade students: Kelsey Jacobs, Jodi Minehan and Shannon Mercado. |
Team Transitions
We are greatly indebted to our staff members and want to acknowledge the contributions of all, especially those no longer with us. Faygele benMiriam, our Office Coordinator from 1997 to 2000, was a very special person. He was a pioneer in the fight to legalize same-sex marriage. His activism on social justice issues continued until his death last year. Leticia Fraga, the soul of our fair housing work from 1995 to 1999, made her leave permanent this year-moving to the East Coast. Eli O'Herlihey, who pitched in to do what was needed doing during several stints, left us to return to graduate school. Dixie Shaw, another experienced pinch hitter, moved on to lead a private fair housing agency. Just this year, we said good bye to Karen Buehler, our able receptionist beginning in 1996. Thank you to them all!
Talented new staff include Karen Peirolo covering Fair Housing and Jacque Lindstrand taking over the Office Coordinator duties. Welcome to them!
OCRE Team 2000 to 2001
Current Team Members
Bailey de Iongh, Manager
Jacque Lindstrand, Office Coordinator
John "Sandy" Macdonald, Civil Rights Specialist
Karen Murray, Civil Rights Specialist
Karen Peirolo, Civil Rights Specialist
Karen Ozmun, Disability Compliance Specialist
Roxanne Vierra, Disability Compliance Specialist
Former Team Members
Faygele benMiriam, Office Coordinator
Karen Buehler, Customer Service Specialist
Leticia Fraga, Civil Rights Specialist
Eli O'Herlihey, Special Project Assistant
Dixie Shaw, Civil Rights Specialist
Department of Information and Administrative Services
Sheryl Whitney, Assistant Deputy Executive (former Director)
Jim Buck, Acting Director (former Deputy Director)
Ruben Rivera, Confidential Secretary
Anne Bruskland, Administrative Assistant
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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 tenant or landlord, employee or employer, if you use or provide public accommodations, or if you are a contractor. We can also answer questions relating to disability access to county services and facilities.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact us to discuss the situation. If you decide to file a complaint, we will explain the steps to you.
We 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 98104-2683
The actual building entrance is on Terrace Street, not Yesler Way. While the building is accessible, it is on a steep hillside. We can arrange to meet in alternate locations.
206-296-7592
206-296-7596 TTY
206-296-4329 Fax
e-mail: civil-rights.ocr@metrokc.gov
www.metrokc.gov/dias/ocre
Our services are available to all. Please inform us if you need reasonable accommodations due to disability, this brochure in alternate formats, or information translated into other languages.
Updated: Jan. 2, 2002 |
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