Why file a discrimination complaint?
People ask me all the time: “Germaine, why should I bother filing a discrimination complaint with the City? What good does it do?” I can hear people’s frustration in that question – and sometimes their fear. It’s wrong to be made to feel unworthy, it’s wrong to be dragged down by another person’s action, and then after all that, it’s wrong to feel like the load is on your back alone to try to make it right. And yet, we must always stand up to discrimination. I believe this with all my heart. So when friends and strangers start asking me questions, here is what I say: “Why should I bother? What’s in it for me?” A possible settlement, for one thing. If SOCR’s investigation finds probable cause of illegal discrimination, we can require the respondent to repay you lost money or benefits, such as wages, medical bills, rent payments, moving costs, etc. The City of Seattle also allows SOCR to require the respondent to make limited payments for pain and suffering. Why should I jeopardize my si
