On Sunday, both the State Senate and House passed I-1000, an initiative to the Legislature that promotes diversity, equity & inclusion in public education, public employment and public contracting. The initiative passed the Senate by a vote of 26-22, and the House by a vote of 56-42.
Known as the Washington State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Act, I-1000 Restores affirmative action into state law without the use of quotas or preferential treatment; defining the meaning of preferential treatment and its exceptions; and establishing a governor’s commission on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The initiative now goes to the desk of Gov. Jay Inslee, who announced his support of I-1000 in January.
“We know systemic inequities remain that cause communities of color, veterans, people with disabilities and women to face persistent barriers to work and education opportunities. I-1000 is a well-considered approach to updating our state’s policies and ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion in government contracts, employment and schools,” said Inslee in his support of the initiative. “This policy will help provide the pathways to opportunity that all our communities deserve. It embraces the parts of the 20-year-old I-200 initiative that work well while recognizing what we can do better to address the challenges facing businesses, workers and students today.”
