Washington school boards blast bill forcing districts to teach 'inclusive' history lessons

OLYMPIA, Wash. (CITC) — School boards in Washington State are fighting back as lawmakers seek to require public schools to teach "inclusive" history lessons.

The bill, authored by nine Democrats, would build upon the state's existing requirement that school districts use "appropriate screening criteria" to identity and eliminate bias in instructional materials. Under the legislation, districts would be required to adopt policies incorporating "inclusive instructional materials that include the histories, contributions and perspectives of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups."

Such groups include women, individuals with disabilities and immigrants and refugees, according to the bill's text. They also include individuals of various racial and ethnic backgrounds, including African Americans and Hispanic Americans.

Additionally, the state's superintendent and LGBTQ commission would be directed to update state learning standards to "include the histories, contributions and perspectives of LGBTQ people."

The bill passed the Washington Senate in January and currently sits in the House. State Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, one its sponsors, argues the legislation helps students "see themselves in their schoolwork."

That leads to better attendance, better academic achievement and better overall quality of life," State Sen. Liias said in January.

However, education officials statewide seemingly disagree. At least three school boards have passed resolutions opposing the bill this month, with most citing a need to maintain local control of curriculum.

READ MORE | Seattle Public Schools tight-lipped on 'ethnic studies' quiz stirring controversy online

The Kennewick School District's school board passed its resolution Tuesday, claiming the legislation "subverts" the authority of elected board members.

"The Kennewick School District Board of Directors does not believe curriculum should be consulted on by activist state commissions pushing sexual agendas and politics and subverting the vote of the local community," the resolution reads.

The language mirrors that passed by board members for both the Mead School District and the Central Valley School District. In her board's resolution, Central Valley School District board president Pam Orebaugh claims the bill "strips school boards of the ability to be accountable to their constituents and diminishes the broad discretionary powers afforded to them."

Crisis in the Classroom (CITC) reached out to several sponsors of the bill for comment on the opposition, but did not receive responses.

READ MORE | School board members opposing 'inclusive' policies, curriculums can be removed under California bill

Similar efforts have been taken by lawmakers in other states. In September, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off on a bill prohibiting school boards from removing any textbooks or instructional materials which contain "inclusive and diverse perspectives." Any school boards which are believed to fail to provide students with such materials are subject to fines.

In New York, legislation looking to require instruction on "the political, economic and social contributions and lifeways" of the LGBTQ+ community failed to become law last year.

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