Pullman Public Schools

2024 Title IX legislation is no longer in effect anywhere in the country. To comply with current law, all school districts have been instructed to revert to their prior 2020 Title IX policies and procedures that were in effect until the start of the current school year.

Pullman Public Schools will:

• Follow both 2020 Title IX as well as Washington state’s own discrimination laws (RCW 28A.640 and WAC 392-190)
• Maintain a Title IX Coordinator position and make their contact information readily available
• Have a clear process for handling discrimination complaints
• Provide equal opportunities in athletics and educational programs
• Address sexual harassment and discrimination promptly and effectively
• Conduct regular self-evaluations of our compliance

Pullman Schools Policies and Procedures:

• 3205/3205P1/3205P2 Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment of Students Prohibited (pending administrative & board review)
• 5011/5011P Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment of Staff Prohibited (pending administrative & board review)

From the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction: 

• Dear Colleague letter on Title IX rules (U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights)
• State Superintendent Chris Reykdal's Statement on President Trump's Order to Discriminate Against Trans Female Athletes (February 6, 2025)

Executive Order on Delimiting Genders as only Male and Female
Any state can continue to have laws and policies that recognize more than two genders, including transgender and nonbinary individuals, even if a federal executive order defines gender narrowly. Here's why:

• State Authority: Education is largely governed at the state and local levels. Washington state has the authority to establish its own policies for schools, including those that affirm and support transgender and nonbinary students, as long as these policies do not conflict with federal law.
• State Nondiscrimination Laws: Washington is one of several states with robust anti-discrimination protections, including for LGBTQ individuals. These laws apply to schools, workplaces, and other areas, and they include protections based on gender identity and expression. The state's legal framework remains valid unless explicitly preempted by federal law, which generally requires Congressional action rather than an executive order.
• Limits of Executive Orders: An executive order is a directive for federal agencies and does not automatically override state laws. Unless accompanied by new federal legislation or court rulings, states retain significant control over policies related to education and gender recognition.
• Conflict Resolution: If a federal executive order conflicts with Washington state's laws, disputes may arise, but courts typically resolve these issues. Historically, courts have supported states' rights to go beyond federal minimums in offering protections to marginalized groups.

Pullman Public Schools are gender-inclusive and will continue to recognize and support more than two genders, including transgender and nonbinary individuals.. Washington state laws and policies affirming gender diversity remain in effect, providing robust protections for LGBTQ individuals in education

Our policies will continue to be guided by Washington State legal requirements that are aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of all students, especially those who may be particularly vulnerable.

Pullman Public Schools will continue to foster a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff.​​​​​​​ 

Policies and Procedures links:

• 3211 & 3211P Gender-Inclusive Schools (pending administrative & board review)

From the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction:

• State Superintendent Chris Reykdal's Statement on President Trump's Order to Discriminate Against Trans Female Athletes (February 6, 2025)

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has rescinded a recent memo that initially directed a freeze on federal funding. However, according to the White House, the federal funding pause remains in effect and will continue to be implemented across government agencies.

At this time, it is unclear how this pause will impact education funding in Washington State. Federal agencies are reviewing funding allocations, and some funds may be subject to additional conditions. The legal standing of these conditions is uncertain and may require further clarification or legal review.

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is closely monitoring the situation and remains in communication with federal agencies and education leaders. As more details become available, we will provide updates to keep our community informed.

For now, there is uncertainty surrounding federally funded education programs, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we await further guidance.
 
OSPI Press Releases & Statements

• OSPI - January 29, 2025 - Press Release from State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal
  •  State Superintendent Chris Reykdals Statement to President Trumps Illegal Plans to Withhold Funds 
• OSPI - February 6, 2025 - From State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal
  • While the breakdown in funding is different for each school district, just 7% of our overall K–12 funding (on average) comes from federal sources. Of those funds, roughly 5% are formula-directed funds, which we expect would be protected. We anticipate that there will be further legal action to prevent federal agencies from complying with the President’s orders to condition the receipt of federal funds on compliance with executive orders that exist outside of our state laws.

Section Updated: February 6, 2025

The president’s recent executive order has removed prior federal guidelines that designated schools as "sensitive locations," potentially allowing federal immigration enforcement activities, including arrests, on school premises. Pullman Public Schools want to assure families of our commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.
 
Key Protections in Washington State

• Right to Education: Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Plyler v. Doe decision, all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to attend public schools. Denying access to education based on immigration status is prohibited.
• State Legal Protections:
  • RCW 10.02.045 restricts state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws unless specifically required.
  • RCW 10.93.160 prohibits school resource officers from inquiring about or sharing immigration status for civil enforcement purposes.
  • RCW 28A.320.145 ensures schools protect student privacy, refrain from collecting immigration-related information, and provide equal educational access.

Our Response to Immigration Enforcement on School Grounds
To comply with state laws and safeguard student rights, Pullman Public Schools are taking proactive steps:

1. Clear Protocols: Establishing procedures for handling visits from federal immigration officers.
2. Staff Training: Equipping staff with guidance on responding to enforcement actions.
3. Protecting Students: Requiring officers to present a judicial warrant signed by a judge before entry, consulting legal counsel, and notifying families of their rights.

Commitment to Action
Pullman Public Schools are dedicated to protecting the privacy and rights of all students. We will continue working within the legal framework to ensure our schools remain safe spaces for every child to learn and thrive.
 
Pullman Public Schools Policies & Procedures

• 3266/3266P Interview and Interrogations of Students on School Premises (pending administrative & board review)
• 4300/4300P Limiting Immigration Enforcement
• 4310/4310P Relations with Law Enforcement
• 4311/4311P School Safety and Security Services Program

For questions or concerns, please contact your school’s administration.

From Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal
Date: March 18, 2025
 
DEI-Related Executive Orders 
On Friday, a federal appeals court lifted the nationwide injunction that previously prohibited the enforcement of President Trump’s two executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI): #14,151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and #14,173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. 
 
During the legal proceedings, the U.S. Department of Justice argued that the executive orders were only targeting DEI programs that violate existing federal civil rights laws, and the judges’ decision affirmed this approach. Washington state’s antidiscrimination laws fit squarely within federal antidiscrimination laws, and school districts whose existing DEI-related programming aligns with state and federal law do not need to make changes in response to these two executive orders. If your district has specific concerns about your DEI-related programming, please consult your legal counsel, who will be able to review the facts of your specific situation and provide counsel that is tailored to your school district.  
 
It should be noted that two of the three judges that issued the decision wrote that the President’s efforts related to DEI could eventually raise concerns about First Amendment rights if enforcement actions go beyond the narrow scope of the orders. 
 
Moving forward, school districts should direct employees who administer federal grants and contracts to pay close attention to any surveys, certifications, and grant/contract language and amendments addressing a district’s DEI and/or related programming. Employees should discuss any response with legal counsel before moving forward. Please alert OSPI immediately if your district experiences any pause, freeze, or unplanned reduction in federal funding. 
 
OSPI is closely monitoring this situation and others to understand how recent federal executive orders and related court decisions impact Washington’s schools, and we aim to provide you with timely and accurate guidance. 

On the evening of February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague Letter” related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs operated by educational institutions.
 
This guidance lacks clarity and raises many questions about its interpretation and implementation. While we are still working to fully understand its impact, the letter outlines expectations related to compliance with federal civil rights laws, which could have implications for district policies, procedures, and daily practices. This may affect areas such as student support services, staff training, disciplinary procedures, and overall school climate initiatives. We understand that this may create uncertainty, and we want to assure you that we are actively seeking legal advice and guidance to gain a clearer understanding of what this means for our district and how we can best support our students, staff, and families.
 
In the meantime, we will continue to operate as normal while we assess any necessary steps.

Linked below is State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s statement in response to the "Dear Colleague Letter":
CONTENT GOV DELIVERY

From Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal
Date: February 24, 2025
 
Last week, we communicated with you about the federal administration’s Dear Colleague Letter targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in educational institutions. We also communicated that school districts should not make changes to their existing policies, practices, and programming based on the letter. 

Now, a federal judge in Maryland has blocked most of the federal Executive Orders purporting to end DEI in all federal grants or contracts. District Judge Abelson issued a preliminary injunction largely preventing the federal government from enforcing the Orders, finding that the Orders were likely unconstitutionally vague, and also violated free speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 

These legal actions underscore OSPI’s recommendation that districts not change school policies and procedures in response to recent federal actions of dubious legality, whether stemming from Executive Orders or Dear Colleague Letters. OSPI recommends that school districts stay in compliance with state law and maintain policies and practices in place that are consistent with state law.