Update (March 6, 2025): “Our goal is to get everyone (to) a common place around what the actual laws say, how our state will be implementing laws–federal and state–and who has the authority,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal in a new video about federal updates produced by OSPI.
In the video, Superintendent Reykdal gives an overview of the differences between state and federal law, the limits of federal authority, and what the U.S. Constitution says about all three.
This is the second video in a continuing series featuring Superintendent Reykdal discussing issues impacting education in Washington. The hope is that the information in these videos will help Washington communities, families and students sort through the headlines to understand the present moment.
(Feb. 20, 2025) At LWPTSA Council, we remain committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and equitable education system for all students. Recent discussions have highlighted concerns about how federal directives may impact diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in public schools and in our PTAs. We want to ensure that our community has clarity on what this means for our PTAs, the Lake Washington School District and Washington state.
What’s Happening?
Last Friday evening, the US Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague letter,” instructing all US educational institutions to end DEI programs or risk losing federal funding. You can read more about the directive here:
📄 Associated Press news coverage
📄 US Dept. of Education Dear Colleague letter
However, it’s important to understand the facts. As Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal stated on Feb. 20, 2025:
“While the words have unfortunately been weaponized, diversity, equity and inclusion have long been core components of our educational system. These principles are the reason we provide a high-quality public education to all young people from all backgrounds and walks of life.”
Key Facts to Know:
✔️ This letter does NOT have the power of law. The document itself states: “This guidance does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards.”
✔️ Washington state law already prohibits discrimination. Since 1998, state law has ensured that no individual or group in public education receives preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
✔️ Washington schools are NOT making changes to DEI policies. Superintendent Reykdal has reaffirmed that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain essential to our education system. Public education itself is a civil right—and that is DEI.
What’s Next for Washington Schools?
- OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) is working with the state Office of the Attorney General to explore legal options if federal funding is withheld due to this letter.
- Washington schools have been directed to make NO changes to existing DEI policies, practices or programs.
📢 Read Superintendent Reykdal’s full statement: OSPI news release
📺 Watch Superintendent Reykdal’s full remarks: YouTube video
What Does This Mean for LWPTSA Council and Our Local PTAs?
Our role remains unchanged: advocating for policies that ensure all students have equal access to a high-quality education. As a nonpartisan organization, we encourage families to stay informed, ask questions, and actively engage in discussions about how these policies impact our district and children.
📩 Questions or concerns? Contact LWPTSA Council’s DEI co-chairs, Zahra Eslami and Mansi M. Majeed, at Diversity@LWPTSA.net.
Together, we stand for an inclusive, equitable and high-quality education for all students.