Public schools in Washington will be required to update curriculum to include LGBTQ histories and perspectives under a new law signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on March 18.
Senate Bill 5462 requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to incorporate “the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion” in new or revised learning standards.
“The contributions of gay Washingtonians deserve recognition, and just as importantly, students deserve to see themselves in their schoolwork,” said the bill’s prime sponsor Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, in a news release March 18. “That leads to better attendance, better academic achievement and better overall quality of life, ensuring success for all our students.”
By June 2025, the Washington State School Directors’ Association and OSPI must develop a model policy, and the model must require school boards to adopt age-appropriate and instructional materials that recognize the history and contributions of LGBTQ individuals.
Historically marginalized groups including people from “various racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds” and “people with various socioeconomic and immigration backgrounds” must also be included in the model curriculum.
The law requires OSPI to post a revision of learning standards on their website by September 2025, and requires schools to amend and conform with the model policies by October 2025.
Oregon, California and Colorado are among seven states that now require inclusive curriculum in schools.
According to the American Bar Association, implementing education and social supports such as the ones included in Washington’s new law are important, particularly for LGBTQ students.
“Lack of such support can adversely affect their academic motivation and can lead to sadness, feelings of disconnectedness, and even suicidal ideation,” the ABA noted in a July 2022 report. “When LGBTQ students perceived their schools to be as safe as did straight cisgender students, the disparities in outcomes were reduced, though not eliminated.”
This was the second year Democratic lawmakers considered the legislation. The bill was first introduced during the 2023 session but stalled in the House.
The legislation had no support from Republicans in either chamber, and during the debates on the bill Republican pushed back on the idea because they believe the bill erodes local control.
“People are pulling their kids from the schools because of cumulative policies, policies like this and many others,” said Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, in a February House floor debate.
The bill passed the Senate with a 29-19 vote on Jan. 17. In the House, the bill passed 56-37, with five lawmakers excused.
This story was originally published March 19, 2024 5:00 AM.
