CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Human Rights code; extending the amount of time available to a person to file a charge with the Office for Civil Rights regarding unfair employment, public accommodations, housing, and contracting processes; specifying that discrimination includes sexual harassment; defining the term sexual harassment; and amending Sections 14.04.030, 14.04.090, 14.06.020, 14.06.050, 14.08.020, 14.10.020, and 14.10.060 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
body
WHEREAS, sexual violence, discrimination, and harassment have been in the national and local spotlight recently, and the City of Seattle's employees and residents have and likely are experiencing sexual discrimination and harassment in varied facets of their lives; and
WHEREAS, sexual harassment is illegal discrimination based on sex, and harassment based on race, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or other protected classes is also illegal discrimination that is prohibited by Chapters 14.04, 14.06, 14.08 and 14.10 of the Seattle Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, sexual harassment in the workplace is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000e, et seq., chapter 49.60 RCW, Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 14.04, and City policy; and
WHEREAS, harassment will not be tolerated by the City of Seattle, as the City is committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, promoting equal employment opportunities, and equitable treatment, in line with the City's race and social justice values and City policy; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council adopted policies and procedures governing harassment complaints in 1989 through Resolution 28119 and have revised and updated them periodically since that time; and
WHEREAS, City employees and Seattle residents who allege sexual harassment under the City's fair employment, unfair public accommodations, or fair contracting laws and wish to file an...
Click here for full text