Washington Senate passes bill mandating LGBT curricula in public schools

A Washington state bill to mandate “inclusive,” DEI-inspired school curricula has been passed by the Senate, even though opponents believe it will drive more parents away from public schools.

SB 5462, which passed the Senate 29–19 on Thursday, would require public schools to use instructional materials that include the “histories, contributions, and perspectives of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups.”

Such groups include, but are not limited to:  

• Racial minorities 
• Women 
• People of various socioeconomic backgrounds 
• People of various religious backgrounds 
• Immigrants and refugees 
• People with disabilities 
• People who are neurodiverse 
• English language learners or users of sign language 
• LGBTQ people 

The bill also requires school districts to designate a regional inclusive curricula coordinator and a regional youth advisory council “for inclusive curricula and equity.” 

By December 2024, Washington’s education officials would have to update state learning standards to reflect the new requirements.  

“We need to tell the stories of the people that have led the way in the progress we have made,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, who identifies as gay. “That’s what this bill would do in our public schools.”  

But Republican lawmakers accused the Legislature of trying to “force feed” the policy to schools. 

“Here we go again,” objected Sen. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee. “The Washington state Senate is once again becoming the Washington state Senate School Board.” 

Sen. Jim McCune, R-Graham, added that the divisive policy might result in more families abandoning the public school system. 

“This bill will actually force parents to leave,” he predicted. 

As public school enrollment declines, Washington school districts are already being forced to consolidate. 

Meanwhile, public charter schools have grown by 60%, and homeschooling by nearly 50%. And Christian schools in the Evergreen State are bursting with students. 

While damaging teachers’ union strikes or left-wing ideology may have played a part in driving families away, public school academics aren’t promising either. 

According to the 2022 NAEP report, just one-third of Washington 4th graders read at grade level. Proficiency only increases to 38% by 8th grade, and math scores are a dismal 32%.  

SB 5462 now moves to the state House for consideration.