This article is one of a series of articles produced by Word in Black through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Word In Black is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country.
By The Seattle Medium
Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has issued guidance to school districts across the state, advising them not to alter their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in response to a recent letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The “Dear Colleague Letter”, issued on February 14, 2025, warns educational institutions that certain DEI programs could be considered discriminatory and illegal, threatening a potential loss of federal funding for schools that fail to comply with federal civil rights law.
Reykdal strongly pushed back against the letter’s claims, emphasizing that Washington state law already prohibits discrimination while also ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students. He clarified that the federal letter is not legally binding and does not require immediate changes from Washington schools.
“I want to be clear: Dear Colleague Letters do not hold the power of law,” Reykdal stated. “The letter even states, ‘This guidance does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards.’”
The federal letter argues that many DEI programs violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by using race-based policies in ways that allegedly discriminate against certain students, including white and Asian students. The letter suggests that race-conscious decision-making in admissions, scholarships, hiring, and school programs could be unlawful under the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which struck down race-based affirmative action in college admissions. It warns that federal financial assistance could be at risk for institutions that fail to comply.
Reykdal, however, reassured school districts that Washington’s DEI initiatives remain lawful under state policy, which has been in place for more than 25 years. Since 1998, Washington law has explicitly prohibited discrimination or preferential treatment in public education based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reykdal emphasized that existing DEI programs in the state do not violate these principles.
“I’ve advised Washington’s school districts that they should not make changes to their existing policies, practices, and programming in accordance with this letter,” Reykdal said. “There are legal paths for the federal government to restrict federal funding, and a Dear Colleague Letter is not one of those paths.”
In response to the letter’s threats of funding cuts, Reykdal assured that the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is working closely with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office to explore legal options. He stated that if any federal dollars are frozen or removed from Washington’s K–12 school system as a result of the letter, legal action may be considered.
Reykdal also defended DEI programs as an essential part of public education and civil rights. He argued that despite growing political opposition, diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to Washington’s education system and ensure that all students, regardless of background, receive equitable access to high-quality education.
“While the words have unfortunately been weaponized, diversity, equity, and inclusion have long been core components of our educational system,” he said. “These principles are the reason we provide a high-quality public education to all young people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Public education is a civil right, and that in itself is DEI. I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Washington state, and we are not going backward.”
