Bill on equity training moves past House

School personnel in Washington state may be required to go through equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism training if a bill is signed into law during this year’s state legislative session.

Senate Bill 5004, which passed in the House Sunday in a 57-40 vote, would include equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism standards in existing cultural competency training school board directors, district and school staff must undergo, according to the bill’s text.

The Senate passed SB 5004 on Jan. 27 in a 30-19 vote. The bill will now return to the Senate to consider amendments from the House.

Under SB 5004, school districts must reserve one of three professional learning days to focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism topics, according to the bill’s text.

Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, said during a virtual legislative debate Sunday many students, parents, teachers and principals have been requesting more training on topics related to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.

During the debate, Ortiz-Self cited small excerpts from letters she received from students who felt unsupported in schools due to the color of their skin or the way they looked.

“These are the words of students that look different in their classrooms (and are) in a system that was not built for them — a system that often causes much pain for them and their families,” Ortiz-Self said.

Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, said during the virtual legislative debate Sunday SB 5004 would hinder schools from delivering “high-quality skills,” like being able to read, write or program a computer.

“We need to look at (children) as an individual spark … the underlying policy here is not the best way to recognize that spark,” Walsh said. “We should focus on fundamental skills in our education system.”

Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, D-Seattle, said during the virtual legislative debate Sunday existing conventions and attitudes are instilled in students through a system that was “created to kill the Indian in order to save the man.”

“This bill is so critically necessary,” Santos said. “We cannot leave it to goodwill alone. We need to learn how to unlearn.”

Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, had an amendment that would remove the requirement for school personnel to complete equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism training by a certain date. It was not adopted.

Ybarra said during the virtual legislative debate Sunday he attended equity-related training on a yearly basis as a former school board member. He and other school board members were able to attend the training because his school chose to do so.

“Voters should tell the school board members that they need to do this type of training,” Ybarra said. “We do not want to lose control.”

Rep. Laurie Dolan, D-Olympia, said during the debate school personnel cannot just take an equity course and master the skill. It takes constant learning and is a lifetime commitment, she said.

Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, also had an amendment that was not adopted. Steele’s amendment would authorize the Washington State School Directors’ Association to provide reimbursements for costs that may incur to carry out equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism training.

April 25 is the last day for this year’s state legislative session.