WA schools await legal guidance after letter threatens pulling federal funding over race

The Department of Education's recent letter has sparked significant concern among Washington schools regarding the possible withdrawal of federal funding if they consider race in their operational practices. The letter, issued by acting assistant secretary Craig Trainor, interprets a 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action as applicable to all educational institutions, potentially affecting admissions, hiring practices, and even campus life. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal reassured school districts that the letter carries no legal weight and advised against hasty alterations to established practices. Washington has a long-standing ban on affirmative action in public institutions, following a voter-approved initiative in 1998, which complicates the federal government's position. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Attorney General's office are evaluating legal strategies to combat potential funding cuts.

Meanwhile, Western Washington University is collaborating with the state Attorney General's office to review the implications of this guidance on its policies. Reykdal emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational elements of public education, framing education as a civil right. The situation underscores a significant conflict between federal directives and state educational policies aimed at promoting inclusivity.