Discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's sex or pregnancy is a violation of RCW 49.60 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. 

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The PWFA went into effect on June 27, 2023. On April 15, 2024 the EEOC issued its final regulation to carry out the law. The final regulation goes into effect on June 18, 2024.

What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is a serious issue affecting employees: at least 58% of working women have experienced sexual harassment in employment. Sexual harassment is costly to employers, disruptive to the workplace, and can have a significant emotional, financial, and physical impact on the victim. 

At the request of the Washington State Legislature under Senate Bill 6471, the Washington State Human Rights Commission convened a workgroup to create a Model Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure, Model Sexual Harassment Investigation Procedures, and Best Practices. 

These documents are available on our Publications page (link below). They can also be utilized as reference materials for employees or any other interested person.

• Introduction and Best Practices

An Introduction to the Model Sexual Harassment Policy and Model Sexual Harassment Investigation Procedures, and Best Practices.

• Sexual Harassment Model Policy

To assist in creating a workplace that is free from sexual harassment

• Sexual Harassment Model Procedures

These procedures can be used by anyone who is responsible for receiving harassment complaints.

• Sexual Harassment Brochures