Addressing Sexual Discrimination in the Workplace
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed May 5, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
It's more about sexual discrimination at my job place.
Attorney Answer
Whether or not you've already made a formal report to HR, you should act now and in writing, because discrimination and harassment claims carry short filing deadlines.
Washington's Law Against Discrimination, Revised Code of Washington section 49.60.180, makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate based on sex, which includes sexual harassment. If you haven't yet made a formal report, document specific incidents — dates, times, what was said or done, witnesses — and submit a written complaint to HR or management, keeping your own copies. If you have already reported it and the response was inadequate, escalate internally in writing and then move to filing externally. A federal EEOC charge in a state like Washington, which has its own fair-employment agency, generally must be filed within 300 days of the last incident, and a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission has its own separate filing window — the precise deadline should be confirmed with a local attorney promptly rather than assumed, since these clocks move fast.
What you can do:
1. Document every incident in writing, including dates, witnesses, and specifics.
2. Submit or follow up on a written complaint to HR, keeping your own copies.
3. If the internal response is inadequate, file externally with the EEOC or the Washington State Human Rights Commission without delay.
⏱ Time limits apply. Discrimination and harassment claims are subject to short administrative filing deadlines (EEOC/WSHRC), and waiting risks permanently losing the ability to bring a claim — have a local attorney confirm the exact deadline for your situation as soon as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should someone take to document workplace sexual harassment or discrimination?
Generally, it helps to record specific incidents with dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses, and to submit a written complaint to HR or management while keeping personal copies. This kind of documentation can support both internal review and any later external complaint.
Is there a deadline to file a sexual discrimination complaint?
Yes — federal claims filed with the EEOC generally must be brought within a limited window after the last incident, often 180 to 300 days depending on the state, and state agencies may have their own separate deadlines. An attorney can confirm the exact deadlines that apply in a given state.
What can someone do if an employer's response to a harassment complaint seems inadequate?
In many cases, the next step is to escalate the complaint in writing internally and then consider filing externally with the EEOC or the relevant state fair-employment agency. An attorney can help evaluate whether the employer's response met its legal obligations.
