SPOKANE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

An aggrieved party may contact the Human Rights Commission (HRC) in order to register a complaint through the following channels: the Human Rights Specialist for the City of Spokane; any member of the HRC (who will refer the complainant to the Human Rights Specialist); or by attending a HRC meeting and addressing the Commission during the public forum.

Registering a complaint with the commission may be accomplished by : filling out a Complaint Questionnaire or requesting that the human Rights Specialist fill out the Questionnaire on behalf of the aggrieved (either by phone or in person). Complaints heard during a public forum or public hearing will also be documented on the Complaint Questionnaire and recorded by the HRC.

An individual wishing to address or enlist the conciliatory services of the HRC should indicate that desire on the Complaint Questionnaire. The Human Rights Specialist for the City of Spokane will then contact the individual and schedule time with the Commission for the earliest possible date.

At the time that the aggrieved party addresses the Commission, the Chair shall ensure that the complainant’s comments are limited to a reasonable amount of time.

An aggrieved individual may request that his/her complaint be kept confidential. In such a case the HRC can go into closed session to receive the complaint. Justification for this action can be found in RCW 42.30.140 which sets forth exemptions to the Open Public meetings Act. Deference to the wish for confidentiality may result in limitations on the Commission’s response to the complaint.

In responding to the complaint(s), the HRC is free to ask questions, make referrals and suggestions as it deems appropriate.

The complainant’s statement and the response of the commission will be recorded and kept on file by the Human Rights Specialist.

Unless a request for confidentiality is made by the aggrieved party, the HRC will notify the person or organization who allegedly committed the discriminatory act(s) by mail. The letter will inform the party of the essence of the complaint registered; the suggestions or referrals made by the Commission; extend an invitation to the accused to respond to the complaint by letter or in person; and offer assistance in the resolution of the complaint. Although the commission cannot and will not take any formal, legal action, the HRC may continue communicating with the parties and make follow up inquiries and recommendations.

The foregoing Complaint process is hereby declared adopted at the meeting of the Spokane Human Rights Commission held May 19, 1992