"You are receiving this email because you opted to receive information from OSPI about this topic. To manage your subscriptions, click here [ [link removed] ]."

"Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ]."

OSPI Default Header




State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s Statement on the U.S. Department of Education’s Attempt to Control Washington Schools

*"Last week, the U.S. Department of Education issued a letter requesting states to certify compliance with the Department’s interpretation of federal civil rights guidelines, or risk losing federal funding. Below is State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s statement."*

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal Image

*OLYMPIA—April 8, 2025—*Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights asked states to certify their compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the Department’s interpretation of the decision in "Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College (“SFFA v. Harvard”). "

This is the latest attack against the rights of states to have civil rights frameworks that exceed the federal minimum standards. This is also an attempt to erase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices that, for decades, have helped bring greater opportunities to more students.

Although the "SFFA v. Harvard "case was specific to the use of race-conscious college admissions policies, the Department has stated that they intend to apply the ruling “more broadly,” including through their evaluation of what they determine are DEI programs, which they deem “insidious” and discriminatory.

In alignment with long-standing federal requirements, Washington has already submitted the mandatory assurances that our state will follow the legal mandates of Title VI. The Department’s decision to introduce a re-certification process in the middle of the funding award period is unusual and should be approached with caution. The Department does not have the legal authority to break protocol in this manner.

Recognition of our diversity is a cornerstone of public education. It makes us stronger, more civil, and it empowers groups of students who have historically been marginalized or denied equal opportunities. Programs aiming to make schools more inclusive have improved the amount of time students with disabilities spend engaging in core curriculum alongside their peers. Leveraging data to identify persistent opportunity gaps has pushed our education system to think differently about our programs, policies, and resources, and it has resulted in higher graduation rates and higher college participation rates for students experiencing poverty and students of color. And our diversity provides opportunities for rich classroom discussions that inform and empower all students. Washington will not suppress its core values or cede our right to determine our own education system to the federal government.

In response to the Department’s request, I sent a letter affirming that Washington has already provided our assurances and met the requirements under Title VI. We will not sign additional certifications that lack authority, lack clarity, or are an assault on the autonomy of states and local school districts by misapplying a higher education admissions case. It would be irresponsible to do so.



________________________________________________________________________







*ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
*

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

OSPI Building Entrance







*STAY IN TOUCH
*Website [ [link removed] ] | LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] | Facebook [ [link removed] ] | Instagram [ [link removed] ] | YouTube [ [link removed] ] | Contact Us [ [link removed] ]

*SUBSCRIBER SERVICES
*Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

"OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, 360-725-6162 (TTY: 360-664-3631), [email protected]. "

"This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider."



 

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction · 600 Washington St. S.E. · Olympia, WA 98504 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}