Seattle – Educators must begin creating new curricula to teach students about the contributions, perspectives, and histories of all people, including the stories of LGBTQ+ Washingtonians.
The new inclusive learning law goes into effect on June 6 and covers all school districts, including those that opposed it.
While Senate Bill 5462 was still in committee, several school boards, including the Linden School District Board, passed resolutions opposing its passage.
The main argument from school board members was that school boards want local control over student learning, and this law would further erode that.
But those who campaigned for the bill's passage argued that it follows the realities of the world we live in and does not encourage any kind of lifestyle or behavior.
The new law directs the Office of Public Instruction and Inspection (OSPI) to update all grade-level curriculum to include the history, contributions, and perspectives of LGBTQ+ people by December 1.
Lessons must be age-appropriate, and then all school districts, charter schools, and state tribal schools must incorporate the new curriculum by October 1, 2025.
Other supporters of the measure say there are thousands of students in the state who have LGBTQ+ parents, and the lesson plans students receive in Washington public schools should reflect those parents. did.
“We want people to understand different ethnic backgrounds, traditions and histories, but do we really need to sexualize children at that age?” The Washington Family Brian Noble, executive director of the Institute for Policy Studies, made this argument during a public hearing on the bill passed by Congress.
Noble said it is the primary responsibility of parents to educate their children about sexual identity and sexual practices that are appropriate for their families, and that it is not the state's responsibility.
“When you grow up, you can educate yourself,” he added.
There is a growing body of research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that schools are often unsafe for LGBTQ+ students, who often experience negative or hostile school climates, including bullying and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It turns out there isn't.
There is also a lot of research being done to identify strategies that support LGBTQ+ and all students to thrive safely in schools. These strategies include:
- Include the creation of support groups for all students
- Professional development to equip educators and other school personnel with tools to support and protect all students.
- Provide information and support related to sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (SOGIE), including curriculum that includes SOGIE
- Washington State's new Inclusive Education Act calls for collaboration to develop this new curriculum.Educators and parents will definitely keep a close eye on the process
