Human Rights Commission of Spokane
Template:Infobox government agency
The Spokane Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is a volunteer-led advisory body of the City of Spokane, Washington. It guides the Spokane City Council and municipal departments on issues of human rights and discrimination, and advocates for inclusive policies.
History
SHRC has long served as a conduit between Spokane communities and city leadership. Notably:
In **November 2021**, SHRC passed a resolution urging the City Council to fund a fully staffed Office of Civil Rights, Equity and Inclusion (OCREI), following a multi-year community-led effort. Consequently, on **December 13, 2021**, the Council unanimously voted to establish OCREI, approving funding for three positions for the 2022 budget. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
SHRC has also advocated for stronger civil rights infrastructure. The Commission's Chair, Anwar Peace, notably criticized delays in staffing OCREI—highlighting that without a functioning office, civil rights violations continue without recourse. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Initiatives
Establishment of OCREI
SHRC played a pivotal role in forming OCREI—an agency staffed to investigate discrimination, develop inclusive policies, and bridge gaps between community needs and city operations. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
"Ban the Address" Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance (2025)
In **April 2025**, the Spokane City Council passed the pioneering "Ban the Address" ordinance, preventing employers from disqualifying applicants based on housing status or lack of permanent address. SHRC supported the measure, which ensures fair hiring access for those experiencing homelessness.
LGBTQIA2S+ Protections (2025)
Also in **April 2025**, the Council adopted an ordinance expanding human rights protections to LGBTQIA2S+ residents—including affirming gender-affirming care rights and restricting collection of sex-assigned-at-birth data. This extended the reach and clarity of Spokane’s Human Rights Code. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Addressing Hate Crimes
Responding to local acts of hate—such as defacement of a rainbow crosswalk—SHRC supported state-level legislative upgrades in **2024**. These resulted in Washington’s hate crime law expanding to include damage to public property and establishment of a statewide hate crime hotline. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Advocacy for Transgender Victim Justice
Following a violent, hate-motivated assault on a transgender woman, SHRC publicly urged Spokane residents to show solidarity at City Council and stand against targeted violence. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Housing Status Advocacy
In **2023–24**, SHRC resolution prompted City Council to consider adding “housing status” to Spokane’s list of protected classes—seeking to combat discrimination in employment, property rights, and privacy for people experiencing homelessness. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Meetings
Spokane_Human_Rights_Commission_September_2025_Meeting
See also
- Spokane Municipal Code § 04.10 – Human Rights Commission
- Spokane Municipal Code Title 18 – Human Rights and Law Against Discrimination
