Under the Washington State Administrative Code (hereinafter, “WAC”), what are the Washington State Human Rights Commission (hereinafter, “WSHRC”) regulations concerning the withdrawal of a complaint? Here’s my point of view.
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WSHRC — PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE — WITHDRAWAL OF COMPLAINT (WAC 162-08-091)
Filing a discrimination complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is a serious step in seeking justice. But what happens if a complainant later decides they no longer wish to pursue the matter? Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 162-08-091* provides clear guidance on how — and under what conditions — a complaint can be withdrawn. The relevant provision states as follows:
WAC 162-08-091
Withdrawal of complaint.
(1) Consent necessary. A complaint or any part thereof may be withdrawn only with the consent of the commission.
(2) Form. A request for withdrawal of a complaint must be in writing and signed by the complainant and must state in full the reasons why withdrawal is requested. Blank forms may be obtained at commission offices.
WAC 162-08-091*.
Withdrawal Isn’t Automatic
First and foremost, the rule makes one thing clear: you cannot simply retract your complaint on your own. According to subsection (1), any withdrawal — whether partial or complete — requires the consent of the commission. This ensures the integrity of the process and allows the commission to determine whether the withdrawal is appropriate, especially in cases where broader public interest may be at stake.
A Formal Process
Subsection (2) of WAC 162-08-091 outlines the proper method for requesting a withdrawal. The request must be:
• In writing
• Signed by the complainant
• Accompanied by a full explanation of why the withdrawal is being sought
This formal process helps the commission assess the reasons behind the request and ensures that the decision to withdraw is made voluntarily and without coercion. For convenience, blank withdrawal request forms can be obtained at commission offices.
Why This Matters
The withdrawal rule protects both individual rights and the public interest. While it respects a complainant’s autonomy, it also enables the commission to evaluate whether continuing the investigation might still be warranted — for example, if the issue reveals a systemic problem.
In short, WAC 162-08-091 balances personal choice with public accountability, ensuring that discrimination complaints in Washington are handled thoughtfully and responsibly from start to finish.
RELATED ARTICLES
We invite you to read more of our articles related to this topic:
» WA State Human Rights Commission Complaints
» WA State Human Rights Commission: Functions, Powers, and Duties
» WSHRC: From Complaint to Conclusion
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