WA Governor Jay Inslee Signs LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum into State Law

Washington Governor Jay Inslee Signs LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum into State Law

Olympia, WA (March 18, 2024) – Today, Governor Jay Inslee signed SB 5462, a bill requiring school districts to adopt curriculum that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups, into law. The signing of SB 5462 makes Washington the seventh state in the country - following California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey and Oregon - to pass a law setting a standard for inclusive curriculum across its public schools. The bill also requires school districts to seek curricula and instructional materials that are culturally and experientially diverse and requires districts to designate a regional inclusive curricula coordinator. SB 5462 prioritizes a diverse and age-appropriate curriculum for K-12 students by supporting LGBTQ+ youth and other underrepresented communities.

Inclusive curricular standards are more important than ever given an extremist effort to ban books and censor instruction on LGBTQ+ people, history and community. A 2021 National School Climate Survey conducted by GLSEN, the leading national organization championing LGBTQ+ youth grades K-12, found that a majority (71.6%) of LGBTQ+ students do not have LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum at their school.

In support of the Governor's decision, GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) affirmed:

"A robust, inclusive education system is the bedrock of a flourishing democracy, yet it is currently under attack. From limiting lessons on Black history to banning books with LGBTQ+ characters, it's no surprise that LGBTQ+, Black and other marginalized students throughout the country are feeling less safe at school. By signing SB 5462 into law, Governor Jay Inslee has demonstrated a commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students in Washington state. With seven states now embracing these standards, there is a growing momentum towards classroom instruction that accurately reflects the history and diversity of America. GLSEN commends Governor Inslee and the Washington Legislature for their unwavering support of inclusive education.”

Educators interested in developing an LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum can reference GLSEN’s educator guide here.

For press inquiries, please reach out to:

Lucky Break PR
Mark Umbach, Lucky Break PR, mark@luckybreakpr.com
Briana Velasco, Briana@luckybreakpr.com

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About GLSEN

GLSEN is a multi-racial intergenerational LGBTQ+ organization working nationally and locally to transform K-12 educational systems in the United States. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state, and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ+ students across the United States.