Washington state has made it mandatory for public schools to incorporate teachings about the LGBTQ+ community and their perspectives. This move aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions in society.
The main objective of SB-5462 is to encourage the use of inclusive learning standards and instructional materials in public schools.
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During a Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee hearing in January, Sen. Marko Liias, D-Everett, advocated for the support of a bill that he sponsored.
“Our students are diverse and unique, and it’s crucial that our curriculum reflects that. By teaching their stories in public schools, we can improve attendance, student achievement, and promote better mental health and success. When students feel seen and heard, they become more engaged in their education, leading to positive outcomes for all.”
Raines emphasized that although significant progress has been made towards achieving equal rights, the curriculum needs to keep up with these changes. According to Raines, the proposed curriculum will be beneficial for all students since it promotes compassion and empathy by exposing them to diverse experiences beyond their own.
However, the measure was met with opposition from several individuals.
Project consultant Jennifer Heine-Withee, who works for the Family Policy Institute, spoke out against the bill during her testimony.
According to Heine-Withee, the passing of the comprehensive sexual education curriculum in Washington came with the assurance that the integration of topics such as gender identity and sexual orientation into other subject areas was not the goal of the law, and parents could opt their children out. However, if this bill is approved, it will no longer be a choice for parents.
During the hearing, Trish Huddleston, a member of the Woodland School Board, spoke out against the proposed bill.
She stated her opposition to the proposal, citing her belief in the importance of local control. According to her, each district should have the freedom to choose the curriculum that is best suited to their specific community. She also expressed her disapproval of any additional mandates from the state, particularly those that promote progressive values and limit the district’s discretionary powers.
The legislation has granted the ultimate authority to OSPI and the school directors association to determine the standards that districts are obligated to adopt.
According to Finne, the imposition of extreme mandates such as this has led to around 46,000 families pulling their children out of public schools in Washington in recent years.
