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Know Your Rights: Report Illegal Discrimination
The City of Seattle protects you from discrimination based on race, disability, gender identity, caste, and many more protected classes. If you think you’ve been discriminated against, the Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) can help you file a claim & investigate your situation for free. Contact us at (206) 684-4500 or visit seattle.gov/civilrights to learn more.
Click the link below to watch a video about civil rights enforcement services we offer in English, አማርኛ, فارسی, Français, Soomaali, and Tagalog.
Seattle's Ban on Caste Discrimination
Caste is one of many protected classes included within Seattle's antidiscrimination laws. Click here to watch a short interview about caste as a protected class, featuring SOCR's Testing Program Manager, Stephanie, and Investigations Manager, Medhanit.
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From L-to-R: Current King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay; SOCR Deputy Director, Fahima Mohamed; Former King County Councilmember, Larry Gossett.
John Muir Elementary School Career Fair
On National African American Parent Involvement Day, SOCR Deputy Director Fahima Mohamed joined local government leaders, authors, small business owners, and technology professionals at a career day event at John Muir Elementary School. Students explored new career paths by participating in engaging table activities.
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Orca K-8 Race Forum
At Orca K-8 PTSA's annual Race Forum, Director Derrick Wheeler-Smith delivered a speech about how to cultivate healing and belonging in our communities. Students were celebrated for their leadership and advocacy. Thank you to Principal Luster, Ph.D. and the Orca K-8 school community for inviting SOCR to be part of this event!
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Urban Impact MLK Prayer Breakfast
SOCR Director Derrick Wheeler-Smith was recognized at Urban Impact's MLK Prayer Breakfast for furthering Dr. King’s vision of justice, reconciliation, love and empowerment alongside community leader, Eddie Rye Jr. (left) and Seattle Department of Education & Early Learning Director, Dr. Dwane Chappelle (right).
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 Following a month-long voting period, Seattle’s $27.25 million participatory budgeting (PB) process resulted in six winning proposals to improve community safety through investments in education, housing, mental health, and economic development. Learn more about the winning projects on our blog.
SOCR’s role is now to convene City departments and PB community members to align plans for implementation strategies and prepare standalone legislation required to authorize the funds for implementation of specific projects. This team kicked off in January 2024 and is meeting regularly.
Stay Engaged with Next Steps
Join SOCR for a virtual information session on March 26, 2024 from 6pm to 7:30pm to learn more about next steps toward project implementation and ask questions about the process. Click here to visit our PB website and access the meeting link.
Seattle Women's Commission Hosts a Panel Discussion on Housing Access
On November 15th, the Seattle Women’s Commission facilitated a panel discussion about recent state-wide housing legislation and considerations following the passing of the City of Seattle Housing Levy. Read the full story on the SOCR blog.
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New Wheelchair Charging Stations Now Available at Seattle Center
Following months of advocacy and partnership with the Seattle Center, Studio Pacifica, and Seattle Finance and Administrative Services, the Seattle Disability Commission is excited to announce new wheelchair charging stations at the Seattle Center Armory!
There are two new stations: one on the 3rd floor near the chess set, and another on the atrium floor on the north-facing column facing Ceres Roasting Company. Both stations have charging cords compatible with many wheelchair types.
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Seattle/King County Clinic
Seattle/King County Clinic provides free dental, vision and medical care to anyone in the region in need of healthcare. The clinic will be held February 15 – 18, 2024 at Seattle Center. Learn more here. Photo courtesy of Seattle/King County clinic.
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Public Comment Period Now Open: Technology Assisted Crime Prevention Pilot Technologies
The City of Seattle is exploring a group of new technologies to deter and detect criminal activity in specific locations where gun violence, human trafficking, and persistent felony crime is concentrated. Community members are invited to share feedback to ensure the City’s policies responsibly govern the use of these technologies. Click here to learn how to provide input in writing or at an upcoming public hearing.
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Department of Neighborhoods Food Equity Fund
Applications are open for the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Food Equity Fund, which invests in community-led work that contributes to an equitable and sustainable local food system. Up to $2.3 million is available to support work led by those most impacted by food and health inequities. Learn more here.
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