Human Rights Commission banner

Employment and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination

Established in 1949, the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) enforces the Washington State Law Against Discrimination.

What is the WSHRC’s statutory authority?

RCW Chapter 49.60 is a State law that protects all people in Washington from unfair and discriminatory practices in employment, real estate transactions, public accommodations, credit, insurance, as well as health care whistleblower, and state employee whistleblower complaints.

Click her for more detailed information on Employment and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination.

Employers are encouraged to seek a broad pool of applicants through recruitment efforts. It is permissible to use advertisements that contain nonexclusionary recruitment phrases, such as:

"Equal opportunity employer."

 "We encourage workforce diversity."

WAC 162-16-290