Seattle (Wash.). Office for Women's Rights

By the end of 1973, twenty-five percent of Seattle's employees were women, few of whom worked in management, protective services, or the trades. Through a 1972 executive order, Seattle's mayor instituted a voluntary affirmative action plan for increasing the number of women and minorities in city employment. In response to the executive order, the Office of Women's Rights, the Human Rights Dept., and city departments set overall city affirmative action goals. In 1978, the mayor required that departments establish yearly departmental goals, by job category, for hiring women and minorities through an affirmative action plan. The Office of Women's Rights was responsible for ensuring the success of the affirmative action program with respect to women; the office worked with the Dept. of Human Resources, which was responsible for the disabled and elderly, and with the Human Rights Dept., which was responsible for minorities. The Personnel Dept. assisted with recruitment, training, employee relations, and other issues relating to affirmative action. The Office of Women's Rights was superseded by the Office for Women's Rights in 1980; the Office for Women's Rights was consolidated into the Office for Civil Rights in 1996.

From the description of Office for Women's Rights affirmative action files, 1972-1985, (bulk 1979-1983). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 123410815

The Seattle Commission for Lesbians and Gays was first established in 1985 as the Mayor's Lesbian/Gay Task Force. In 1989, the Task Force became a full city commission with 15 volunteer members. When the Office for Women's Rights was abolished in 1987, the Commission was absorbed into the new Office of Civil Rights, and its name was changed to the Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities. The Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and other City departments on issues of concern to sexual minorities. It also recommends policies and legislation in matters affecting the sexual minority community.

From the guide to the Seattle Commission for Lesbians and Gays Subject Files, 1984-1996, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Commission For Lesbians and Gays Minutes, 1990-1996, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Women's Division established in the Office of Human Relations in 1970; Office of Women's Rights established in 1973 (Ord. 102182); superceded by the Office for Women's Rights (Ord. 109114) in 1980; Office for Women's Rights was consolidated into the Office For Civil Rights in 1996; established to promote equality for women in Seattle, monitor and enforce ordinances relating to equal employment and housing, and provide staffing to the Seattle Women's Commission.

From the description of Subject files, 1971-1996. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70925144

1970 Women's Division established in the Office of Human Relations; Office of Women's Rights was established in 1973 (Ord. 102182); superceded by the Office for Women's Rights (Ord. 109114) in 1980; Office for Women's Rights was consolidated into the Office For Civil Rights in 1996

From the description of Office of Women's Rights annual reports, 1975-1985. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70966284