Washington State to Implement Race-Based School Discipline

While many states have adopted legislation to push back against critical race theory (CRT) and its application in education, Washington state is going in the opposite direction. A new education policy seeks to establish “educational equity” and dismantle “institutional racism.” The aim of the policy is to ensure equal outcome across racial and cultural lines, meaning that race would determine the severity of school discipline. This policy, as well as a similar measure that promotes “cultural competency” for educators was passed by a Democrat-controlled legislature and governor in what is a deep blue state.

The Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) provided training to the state’s school boards for enforcing ESSB 5044. The bill is described as “AN ACT Relating to equity, cultural competency, and dismantling institutional racism in the public school system.”  Mandatory training emphasizes the difference between “equity” and “equality” while stressing the importance of achieving the former. The guidance document mentions “specific trainings that explore what equity means, how it differs from equality, why it creates better student outcomes, and what the role of the board is in moving towards equity”.

The Twitter account “Libs of TikTok” shared a video of a Clover Park School District (WA) school board meeting where the policy was being discussed. Implementation of the legislation was voted on at the meeting as well.