Equal Employment Opportunity
The Equal Employment Opportunity Office (EEO) ensures the City of Tacoma complies with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal, state, and anti-discrimination laws.
At the Federal level, discrimination and harassment are governed by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. State laws and regulations include the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines and RCW 49.60. At the local level issues of discrimination are addressed by chapters 1.29 and 1.46 (Code of Ethics) of the Municipal Code of the City of Tacoma.
The City of Tacoma does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, family status, ancestry, marital status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, religion, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to recruitment, hiring, and employment with the City of Tacoma.
Frequently Asked EEO Questions
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Equal opportunity exists when decisions, practices, and procedures relating to the workplace are made in a way that gives everyone a chance to succeed. This means all decisions and practices about recruitment, testing, selection, hiring, work assignments, salary and benefits, accommodations, working conditions, performance evaluations, promotions, training opportunities, career development, transfers, discipline, and discharge must be made free of illegal discrimination.
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At the Federal level, discrimination and harassment are governed by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. State laws and regulations include the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines and RCW 49.60. At the local level issues of discrimination are addressed by chapters 1.29 and 1.46 (Code of Ethics) of the Municipal Code of the City of Tacoma.
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Office takes allegations of discrimination and harassment very seriously and is responsible for providing a comprehensive and clear process to investigate complaints.
City of Tacoma employees may file a complaint of discrimination by contacting our office at eeo@tacoma.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC enforces federal anti-discrimination laws in employment. A charge must be filed with the EEOC within 180 days from the date of the alleged violation. This 180-day filing may be extended to 300 days as the charge may be covered by state or local anti-discrimination law. To file a charge of discrimination in employment with the EEOC, please see their website. You may also contact the EEOC’s Seattle Field Office at (800) 669-4000.Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)
The WSHRC enforces state anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, public accommodation, and discrimination in insurance. A charge must be filed within six months, or 180 days, from the date of the alleged violation in order to protect your rights. To file a complaint of discrimination in employment with the WSHRC, please see their website. You may also contact the WSHRC at (800) 233-3247.Filing internal complaints with the City of Tacoma does not preclude a City of Tacoma employee from filing a complaint with federal or state compliance agencies. The City of Tacoma does not prohibit employees from filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC).