The Washington State Board Against Discrimination in Employment was created in 1949. In 1957 the name was changed to Washington State Board Against Discrimination and in 1971, to Washington State Human Rights Commission. Legislation enacted in the 1950s and 1960s, besides changing the name of the board from the Washington State Board Against Discrimination in Employment to the Washington State Board Against Discrimination, stretched the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the board far beyond matters of discrimination relating solely to the labor force. By 1971, when the Washington State Board Against Discrimination was redesignated the Washington State Human Rights Commission, the organization bore little resemblance to the board which had been created in 1949. The Commission's jurisdiction includes the elimination and prevention of discrimination because of race, creed, color, or national origin in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It consists of five members appointed by the Governor; its functions are administered by a director and staff. It has quasi-judicial powers, conducts hearings and can issue orders, including cease and desist orders. The Commission also establishes local advisory boards which promote community education related to the problems of, and elimination of, discrimination.
From the description of Records of the Washington State Board Against Discrimination in Employment, the Washington State Board Against Discrimination, and the Washington State Human Rights Commission, 1950-1975. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71129817
