S-2208.2          _______________________________________________

                            SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5916

                  _______________________________________________

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.  (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) By June 30, 1996, every school district shall adopt and implement a written policy concerning racial harassment.  The policy shall apply to all school district employees, volunteers, parents, and students, including, but not limited to, conduct between students.

     (c) School district policies on racial harassment shall be reviewed by the superintendent of public instruction considering the criteria established under (a) of this subsection as part of the monitoring process.

     (d) The school district's racial harassment policy must be conspicuously posted throughout each school building and provided to each employee.  A copy of the policy must appear in any publication of the school or school district setting forth the rules, regulations, procedures, and standards of conduct for the school or school district.

     (e) Each school shall develop a process for discussing the district's racial harassment policy.  The process must ensure the discussion addresses the definition of racial harassment and issues covered in the racial harassment policy.

     (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. 2.  Section 1 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 28A RCW.

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