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King County Washington home

Title VI Compliance 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal funding. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states:

 

"No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

 

The Civil Rights Program serves as King County's Title VI Coordinator. As the County's Title VI Coordinator, the Civil Rights Program is responsible for initiating and monitoring Title VI activities, preparing required reports, and fulfilling King County’s responsibilities as required by 23 CFR 200 and 49 CFR 21, which include but are not limited to:

  • Coordinating county-wide compliance efforts
  • Ensuring language access and inclusive service delivery
  • Investigating complaints filed under Title VI

 

To learn more about King County Title VI Compliance efforts by department visit: 

 

King County Title VI Policy Statement

King County assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

King County further assures every effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not. In the event King County distributes federal aid funds to another governmental entity or other sub-recipient, King County will include Title VI language in all written agreements and monitor for compliance.


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.


King County Language Access Program

We are committed to reduce communication barriers and promote equitable access to information and services for all King County residents.   Upon request, we provide free language interpretation and translation to ensure everyone can fully access and benefit from our services. Visit King County Language Access Program to learn more. 

King County American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Program

We are committed to guarantee that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment, opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in County programs. Visit King County ADA Program to learn more. 

Reporting Discrimination with Other Agencies  

The City of Seattle enforces laws against illegal discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and contracting within Seattle city limits. Website: File Complaint | OCR - CivilRights | seattle.gov

The Tacoma Human Rights Commission studies, investigates, and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or disability. Website: Tacoma Human Rights Commission

The mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is to prevent and eliminate discrimination through the fair application of the law, the efficient use of resources, and the establishment of productive partnerships in the community. Website: Washington State Human Rights Commission  

The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) processes allegations of misconduct involving Seattle Police Department (SPD) employees. Violations can range from unprofessional behavior to biased policing to excessive force. For OPA consideration, a complaint must allege an SPD employee violated an SPD policy (see SPD’s manual) Website: File a Complaint - OPA | seattle.gov

The Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) monitors the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO). OLEO accepts complaints from all people including third-parties, undocumented residents, juveniles, and individuals who wish to remain anonymous. Website:  File a complaint or commendation about the King County Sheriff's Office - King County, Washington

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.  Website: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 

HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) investigates allegations of housing discrimination, helps individuals obtain agreements to resolve allegations, and takes actions as needed to enforce the law. Website:  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The Civil Rights Division enforces federal laws that protect you from discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, disability status, sex, religion, familial status, or loss of other constitutional rights. Website: Step 1: Contact - Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice

The National External Program Services staff assists, represents, and advises the headquarters managers and employees, and regional civil rights staff on civil rights and equal opportunity matters. They handle external complaints from airport customers on issues of discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (race/color/national origin), the Americans with Disabilities Act (disability), Title IX of the Education Amendments (gender), and the Age Discrimination Act (age).  Website: National External Program Team | Federal Aviation Administration

If you feel that you experienced unlawful discriminatory treatment in air travel by airline employees or the airline’s contractors on the basis of disability or on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation), religion, or ancestry.  Website: Air Travel Service Complaint | secure.dot.gov