Civil Rights Laws

The University of Washington is committed to ensuring an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. The Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC) works to ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws, including (but not limited to):

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry, in programs and activities receiving federal funds.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy and related conditions.
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which provides legal protections, funding, and resources to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment and education.
• Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), including Washington State Civil Rights Initiative (I-200), which prohibit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, families with children, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), which protects individuals aged 40 and older from workplace discrimination based on age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, and other terms of employment.
• Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which protects veterans from employment discrimination and retaliation to ensure they are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their military service.

These and other laws provide rights and protections on the basis of protected characteristics, including age, citizenship, disability, national origin or shared ancestry, race, sex, gender, veteran status, and more.

If you believe you or someone you know may have experienced discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, we encourage you to make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report and connect with a case manager.

The University implements and ensures compliance with these civil rights guarantees through its policies and guidance.