What are the steps in a civil rights investigation?
Someone contacts the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and talks with an investigator. If OCR has authority to accept the complaint, we will draft a complaint (called a "charge") and the person will sign it.
OCR sends a copy of the complaint and written notice to the person or business named in the charge as Respondent (the one alleged to have committed the discriminatory act). The Respondent has a chance to respond in writing to the complaint.
OCR staff attempts to resolve the complaint through agreement of the parties, using mediation techniques, if the parties agree to participate.
If an agreed resolution does not occur, then OCR completes its investigation. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the King County ordinance has been violated. OCR investigators gather evidence in the form of witness interviews, written documents, on-site visits, etc.
After completing the investigation, OCR makes a determination about whether the evidence indicates "reasonable cause" or "no cause" to believe discrimination occurred. OCR sends a written decision to the Charging Party and Respondent.
If there is a no cause finding, the Charging Party may appeal that decision to the OCR Director.
If there is a reasonable cause finding, OCR investigators work with the Charging Party and Respondents to develop a written settlement agreement that is signed by all parties.
If an agreement between the parties is not possible, OCR will order appropriate remedies, such as back pay, rent refunds, staff training, or other remedies. The Order may be appealed either to a hearing examiner (for fair housing, fair employment or public accommodations) or to a court (for fair housing only).
What can I do to help my case?
Share as much information as you can with OCR. Write down the details of what happened to you, including dates, times, who was involved, as well as names of possible witnesses. Keep a ongoing log of events. Save any written materials that relate to your case. Note: Do not try to obtain witness statements — leave that to the OCR investigators.
What about retaliation?
It is illegal for a Respondent to retaliate against you because you file a discrimination complaint. If this happens, let OCR know immediately — you can file another complaint which will be investigated, regardless of the findings or outcome of the original complaint.
