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               ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5916

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State of Washington      54th Legislature     1995 Regular Session

By Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Kohl and Pelz)

Read first time 03/01/95.

Requiring school districts to have racial harassment policies.

    AN ACT Relating to requiring racial harassment policies in school districts; and adding a new chapter to Title 28A RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature recognizes that discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin should not be tolerated in the public schools of the state.  The legislature finds that each local school district can make the best decisions about which actions or policies are necessary to prevent discrimination and harassment from occurring in their district.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  (1)(a) By December 31, 1995, the superintendent of public instruction shall develop criteria for use by school districts in developing racial harassment policies.  The criteria must address the subjects of grievance procedures, remedies to victims of racial harassment, disciplinary actions against violators of the policy, and other subjects at the discretion of the superintendent of public instruction.  Disciplinary actions must conform with collective bargaining agreements and state and federal laws.  The superintendent of public instruction shall supply sample policies to school districts upon request.

    (b) School districts may adopt and implement written policies concerning racial harassment.  The policies may apply to all school district employees, volunteers, parents, and students, including, but not limited to, conduct between students.

    (2) "Racial harassment" as used in this section means an individual has treated another individual differently on the basis of race, color, or national origin in the context of an educational program or activity without a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason so as to interfere with or limit the ability of the individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the school or school district.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 28A RCW.

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