Historical Note
The Human Rights Commission was created in 1963 through Ordinance 92191
to promote equality and understanding among Seattle residents and to study,
investigate, and make recommendations regarding discrimination based on race,
color, religion, and national origin. Other aims of the Commission were to
promote "equality and understanding" through a public education program. The
Commission's twelve members were "representative citizens of the city"
appointed by the mayor and approved by City Council; initial members included
representatives from the Seattle Urban League, King County Labor Council, and
various religious groups.
In 1969, the Human Rights Department was created, incorporating a small
Office of Human Rights in the Executive Department. The Human Rights Department
took on the responsibilities of the study and investigation of human rights
issues and recommendation of policies and legislation, while the Human Rights
Commission continued in a primarily advisory capacity. In 1980, all employment
and housing discrimination functions were consolidated under the Human Rights
Department.
In 1995, the affirmative action monitoring function of the Human Rights
Department was transferred to the Personnel Department.
Content Description
Reports exist for the years 1963-1982 and include a summary of important
activities, project, and programs of the Human Rights Commission (and, later,
the Human Rights Department as well) and its various committees and divisions;
problems or issues encountered during the year; and plans and goals for the
coming year. Also included is information on the board and its members and
supplementary information such as statistics, charts, maps, and census data.
Over the years, statistics in the reports cover population, income,
occupations, education, and housing and contract data, as well as other
important information. The 1964-1965 report also discusses various aspects of
the problem of discrimination in Seattle, including its effects on education
and employment. The 1975 report includes Affirmative Action reviews for each
department.