WAC 132F-148-070   Formal complaint procedure.  Any individual who feels she/he has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, handicap, national origin, age or sex either by the district or by an individual employee of the district may file a formal complaint. Such a complaint may be filed through existing grievance procedures (where applicable), directly with the individual responsible for affirmative action in each organizational unit or with the district personnel director. A formal complaint may be filed either following or instead of any informal attempt at resolution. Individuals with complaints are encouraged to follow the procedures outlined herein prior to contacting any outside enforcement agency.

     The complainant should be advised of his/her right to file a complaint with the Washington state human rights commission, Seattle human rights department, equal employment opportunity commission, Office of Federal Contract Compliance, or the Office of Civil Rights. However, complainants are encouraged to use the internal grievance procedures to resolve complaints.

     Complaints filed with persons responsible for affirmative action shall be processed as follows:

     (1) Complaints shall be in writing, shall contain specific information and shall be promptly investigated by the appropriate administrator.

     (2) Response shall be made to the complainant in writing, within 15 working days of receipt of the complaint.

     (3) Copies of both the complaint and the response shall be forwarded to the relevant appointing authority.

     (4) The appointing authority will respond in writing to the complainant within 15 working days.

     (5) Written appeal may be made to the appointing authority within 15 working days after the complainant receives the response.

     (6) The appeal will be investigated and final response made by the appointing authority within 15 working days.

     (7) Written appeal may be made to the chancellor (if the appointing authority is not the chancellor) who shall then investigate and respond to the complainant within 15 working days of receipt of the written request.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 28B.50 RCW. 85-13-076 (Order 47, Resolution No. 1985-17), § 132F-148-070, filed 6/19/85; Order 5, § 132F-148-070, filed 11/13/72.]