SENATE RESOLUTION

8694

BySenators Lovick and Hasegawa

WHEREAS, The United States was founded on the idea that public discourse is a necessary part of democracy; and

WHEREAS, A strong democracy depends on an informed and engaged public willing to listen, question, and engage respectfully with people who hold different perspectives; and

WHEREAS, Young people are not merely future participants in civic life but current stakeholders, and providing students with real opportunities to practice civil discourse strengthens both their education and the democratic system itself; and

WHEREAS, Classroom-based civic education that emphasizes media literacy, respectful debate, and collaboration across differences helps students better understand the responsibilities that come with democratic participation and prepares them for active citizenship;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate celebrate the value of civil, open-minded discussion aimed at building bridges in order to depolarize the community, strengthen relationships, and improve our ability to coexist; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate recognize and commend the students of Marysville Getchell High School, particularly those in Mr. Natterstad's Advanced Placement Government class, for their thoughtful engagement with issues of political polarization, media literacy, and democratic participation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate acknowledge the partnership between Mr. Natterstad's Advanced Placement Government class and the building bridges program for creating space where students can practice respectful dialogue, critical thinking, and civic responsibility; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Marysville Getchell High School, Mr. Natterstad, the students of the Advanced Placement Government class, and the building bridges program.

I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8694,

adopted by the Senate

February 23, 2026

SARAH BANNISTER

Secretary of the Senate