Statement from Washington State LGBTQ Commission Regarding Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Attacks Throughout Washington State
Olympia, WA, December 19th, 2024 - The Washington State LGBTQ Commission strongly condemns the actions of several school boards and city governments throughout Washington that have passed discriminatory and anti-2SLGBTQIA+ resolutions or measures. Whether it be through barring young transgender and gender-nonconforming athletes from participating in K-12 sports, banning books that contain 2SLGBTQIA+ subject matter, or slashing funding for 2SLGBTQIA+ non-profit groups that provide lifesaving and necessary resources for young people, these actions grossly contradict state anti-discrimination law and do not align with Washington State's values of equity, access to opportunity, and dignity for all people.
Overview of Legal Protections
We want to be clear: any actions taken by local governments or school boards to isolate, target, and discriminate against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are in violation of state anti-discrimination law. For young 2SLGBTQIA+ athletes, you are protected through WAC 392-190-025, which prevents denial or exclusion from recreational and athletic activities. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) encourages participation from all students regardless of gender identity or expression and protects the rights of transgender students to play on the sports teams they choose. Resolutions passed by school boards to restrict the participation of a small, vulnerable populations of young people are egregious and do not supersede state law. In 2024, the Legislature passed HB 2331, which prevents schools from banning books simply because they center marginalized voices or topics, such as race, religion, gender identity, or sexuality. Schools that continue to restrict and remove books that contain 2SLGBTQIA+ characters and subject matter are not following state law.
Following the National Trend
These actions are just another example of the wave of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies and decisions that have weaponized individual's identities as political theater. Across the country, 2SLGBTQIA+ people are being targeted in multiple ways. Whether it be through gender-affirming care or public accommodation bans, implementing barriers to having accurate and affirming identification documents, silencing 2SLGBTQIA+ students and educators, or banning trans athletes from competing – the national landscape continues to threaten 2SLGBTQIA+ lives. Washington State has continued to strengthen protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and will remain a place where everyone can thrive. These resolutions and actions being taken by a small number of governing bodies in our state are solutions to non-existent problems and only perpetuate hate. The policymakers, instead of relying on experts, are choosing to disregard science and best medical practices in favor of excluding a population that is already marginalized. Make no mistake, these practices do not protect any group of students – they only exist to harm. Washington State should not and cannot fall prey to the false national rhetoric surrounding 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
Commitment and Call to Action
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission is committed to monitoring these actions across the state as we work to improve the state's interface with 2SLGBTQIA+ people. We are working with OSPI, WIAA, and school districts across the state to ensure that protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ young people are being enforced. We encourage anyone that has been affected by these anti-2SLGBTQIA+ measures to reach out to your state legislators and share your experiences. If you know of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ resolutions and policies being enacted in your school district, please contact the Washington State LGBTQ Commission at contact@lgbtq.wa.gov and contact your district's Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator. To find your district or charter school's Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, click here. Individuals or organizations may contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office for information about their rights and complaint processes, or assistance in connecting with a school district. You can also reach out to the Governor's Office of Education Ombuds (OEO) to report concerns around discrimination, harassments, intimidation or bullying. Learn more about scheduling an intake here.
The commitment and dedication of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission is unwavering to advancing equity and fostering liberation for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
In solidarity,
Lisa Keating
Executive Director
Washington State LGBTQ Commission