Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 2306
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Prohibiting the use of racially offensive school names.
Sponsors: Representatives Sawyer, Stanford, Fitzgibbon, Walkinshaw, Santos, Bergquist, Jinkins, Pollet and Frame.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/11/16
Staff: Ashley Fisher (786-7296) and Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
Discrimination.
Discrimination in Washington public schools on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, 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 is prohibited.
Summary of Bill:
By the start of the 2017-18 school year, public schools are prohibited from using the term "redskins" for any school club, organization, or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname.
Public schools already using the prohibited name are not required to adopt a new name at the start of the 2017-18 school year. These schools are encouraged to make reasonable efforts to adopt a new name and replace existing equipment, signage, and other property bearing the prohibited name.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.