The bill aims to enhance protections for students in Washington public schools by promoting inclusivity and addressing the needs of diverse communities. It introduces new definitions related to ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, neurodivergence, and sexual orientation to ensure a comprehensive understanding of identity within the educational context. The legislation emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment to mitigate discrimination, which can lead to negative mental health outcomes and hinder academic success for marginalized students.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to explicitly prohibit discrimination in public schools based on a broader range of categories, including ethnicity, gender identity, homelessness, immigration status, and neurodivergence, among others. This expansion of protected categories reflects the legislature's commitment to equity and justice for all students, regardless of federal protections. The bill underscores the significance of fostering a sense of belonging in schools, which has been shown to improve mental health outcomes for students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.642.010
Substitute Bill: 28A.642.010