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Equal Employment Opportunity
The Equal Employment Opportunity Office (EEO) helps ensure Metro is a workplace free of discrimination, where everyone is treated with respect and can thrive. We listen to concerns with care and carry out fair, independent investigations that consider people’s individual experiences. We also review Metro’s employment practices and partner with teams across the agency to create fair, thoughtful solutions that support a strong and inclusive community.
Quick links
Complaint process
Learn how to file a complaint with the EEO Office.
Investigation process
Learn how the EEO Office receives, reviews, and investigates discrimination, harassment, and retaliation concerns through a transparent process designed to ensure equity, neutrality and clarity for everyone involved.
About EEO office
Explore our most frequently used resources, reports, and helpful tools to quickly find the information you need.
External reporting options
If you’re exploring your rights for the first time or thinking about filing a discrimination complaint, external agencies can also offer information.
Complaint process
We understand sharing a report can be overwhelming. This checklist is designed for employees or applicants learning about the process for the first time. It outlines the steps you can take to share a concern with Metro’s EEO Office.
- Decide whether you want to file a complaint
You may choose to file a complaint if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination, harassment or retaliation involving a protected class. You can file on your own or with support from someone you trust. (Under Metro’s Nondiscrimination Policy, the protected classes include race, color, sex, age, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, religion, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, use of a service animal, domestic violence victimization, and any other status protected by federal, state or local law.) - Prepare the information you want to share
Think about what you feel comfortable sharing with the EOO, such as:- What happened?
- When and where did it happen?
- Who was involved?
- Any documents, emails or messages you may want to provide.
Please remember you do not need to have every detail figured out before reaching out.
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Contact the EEO Office to file your complaint
You can file a complaint in writing, by phone or by email.
EEO investigative process and FAQ
Helpful document that describes how the EOO reviews a report and investigates. It also answers some commonly asked questions about the process.
Investigation process
If you’re learning about this process for the first time, this overview walks you through what typically happens when a concern is brought to Metro’s EEO.
- You share a concern
You can bring a concern to the EEO Office if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination, harassment, retaliation or related conduct involving a protected class. You may report it yourself or with support from someone you trust. - EEO reviews the information
The EEO team looks at the details you shared to understand the situation, confirms it falls under their role and determines what next steps make sense. - Intake
EEO may ask clarifying questions to better understand your experience. Based on the information, they decide whether to open a formal investigation or close the matter if it falls outside their scope. - If an investigation begins, everyone is notified
If a formal investigation starts, the people involved receive written notice explaining what the investigation will cover and what participation looks like. - EEO gathers information
The investigator collects documents, interviews people who may have relevant information and reviews the facts. - EEO analyzes the facts and writes findings
After reviewing all the information, the EEO prepares a report that explains what the evidence shows and whether a policy violation is more likely than not to have occurred. - You are informed of the outcome
Both the person who raised the concern and the person responding to it are notified of the outcome. Metro leadership then decides what actions, if any, will follow. - The case is closed
Most investigations aim to be completed within a set timeframe, though some may take longer, depending on complexity. Once the process is complete, the case is formally closed.
About EEO
The EEO values transparency, and this page reflects that commitment by posting historical reports, documents and background information in one place so you can explore at your own pace. These materials are here to support your understanding and help you feel informed.
EEO Program Report Update
The following documents outline King County Metro’s civil rights, equity and nondiscrimination work, including updates to investigations, workforce data and major initiatives such as the Women’s Needs Assessment (2025 Program Report Update). They highlight progress, ongoing challenges and next steps to ensure a more equitable, transparent and supportive workplace for all Metro employees.
External reporting options
Each listing offers a brief description and contact information so you can decide what feels most helpful for your situation.
The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. Individuals generally must file a charge within 180 days of the incident.
Learn more about United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
TTY: 1-800-669-6820
The Washington State Human Rights Commission enforces Washington’s anti-discrimination. Employment related complaints must be filed within 6 months of the incident.
Learn more about Washington State Human Rights Commission
Complaint form
Phone: 1-800-233-3247
Address:
PO Box 42490
Olympia, WA 98504
The King County Civil Rights Program ensures equal access to county services and enforces local anti-discrimination laws.
Learn more about King County Civil Rights ProgramComplaint form
Phone: (206)296-7485
TTY: (206)296-7596
Address:
Chinook Building
401 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98104