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What is Racial Discrimination?
Definition: Treating someone unfairly because of their race, color, ethnicity, or national origin, including accents, skin color, or ethnic slurs.
Examples: Unfair hiring, pay, promotions, housing (landlord refusing to rent to you due to your race), harassment (jokes, slurs, unwanted contact) creating a hostile environment, or unequal job assignments.
In Washington State, racial discrimination is illegal under the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) (RCW 49.60), prohibiting unfair treatment in areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, national origin, or ethnicity. You can report incidents to the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) (WSHRC) or the Attorney General's office, with complaints generally filed within six months for employment issues, leading to investigations, mediation, or hearings.
Where Discrimination is Illegal (Protected Areas)
Employment: Hiring, firing, pay, promotions, job assignments, harassment.
Public Schools: Prohibited in public schools by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Housing & Public Accommodations: Covered under WLAD.
Resources to Fight Discrimination
Resources to Fight Discrimination
Help and Referral: Local Advocacy Organizations
Help and Referral: Local Advocacy Organizations
Tacoma/Pierce County Black Collective
Discrimination Reporting Disclaimer
Discrimination Reporting Disclaimer
The NAACP Thurston County Branch, a unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), is committed to advancing civil rights, documenting discrimination, and advocating for equitable treatment under the law. However, the NAACP Thurston County Branch is not a government enforcement agency and does not accept or file formal discrimination complaints.
Filing a Formal Complaint
Filing a Formal Complaint
Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination must first file a formal complaint with the appropriate local, state, or federal agency authorized to investigate and enforce civil rights laws, including but not limited to:
Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)
https://www.hum.wa.govU.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
https://www.eeoc.govU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing
https://www.hud.gov/fairhousingU.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
https://www.justice.gov/crt
These agencies are responsible for determining jurisdiction, conducting investigations, and pursuing legal remedies.
Reporting to the NAACP Thurston County Branch
Reporting to the NAACP Thurston County Branch
The NAACP Thurston County Branch may accept reports of discrimination only after an individual has filed a formal complaint with the appropriate agency.
Submission of a report to this Branch:
Does not constitute a legal complaint
Does not initiate an investigation
Does not replace or satisfy agency filing requirements
Does not extend, toll, or pause any legal deadlines
No Legal Advice or Representation
No Legal Advice or Representation
Consistent with NAACP National policy, the NAACP Thurston County Branch does not provide legal advice, does not act as legal counsel, and cannot file complaints or legal actions on behalf of individuals.
Purpose of Branch Reports
Purpose of Branch Reports
Reports submitted to the NAACP Thurston County Branch are collected for:
Data tracking and documentation
Identifying patterns or systemic issues of discrimination
Supporting advocacy, public education, policy initiatives, and referrals when appropriate
Submission of a report does not guarantee legal representation, intervention, or advocacy action by the NAACP Thurston County Branch or the NAACP nationally.
Individuals seeking legal advice or assistance should contact a licensed attorney or the appropriate enforcement agency directly.
Immigration Resources
Immigration Resources
Community members seeking information, support, or assistance are encouraged to access the following trusted civil rights and immigration resources:
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WSIN / WAISN)
Immigrant Justice Hotline: 1-844-724-3737
NAACP – Know Your Rights & Advocacy Resources
ACLU of Washington – Immigrants’ Rights & Protester Rights
Washington State Human Rights Commission
To report discrimination in housing, employment, or public accommodations:
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP)
Immigration legal services and “Know Your Rights” education:
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