Prohibiting Discrimination in Washington Public Schools
Guidelines for school districts to implement Chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW and Chapter 392-190 WAC
Published February 2012

In 2010, a new state law (HB 3026) was passed prohibiting discrimination in Washington public schools based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. These guidelines constitute OSPI’s interpretation of the law and are provided to support school districts’ understanding of their obligations under these laws.

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• Counseling and Guidance Services
• Textbooks and Instructional Materials
• Access to Course Offerings and School Programs
  • School Enrollment
  • Students with Limited English Proficiency
  • Translation and Interpretation Services
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Students and Service Animals
  • Access to School District Online Programs
  • Single-Sex Classes
  • Student Discipline
  • Religious Discrimination
  • Gender Identity and Gender Expression
  • Pregnant and Parenting Students
• Discriminatory Harassment
• Sexual Harassment
• Recreational and Athletic Activities
• Employment Discrimination and Affirmative Action
• Procedural Requirements
• Discrimination Complaint and Appeal Procedures
• OSPI Monitoring and Enforcement
• Appendix A – Definitions
• Appendix B – Nondiscrimination Laws
• Appendix C – Sample Utilization Analysis and Goals for Affirmative Action Plans
• Appendix D – Checklist of Procedural and Reporting Requirements
• Appendix E – Investigation Tips and Techniques
• Index