Federal Way has been chosen as one of six locations statewide to hold a town hall on civil rights in schools.

Federal Way School District requested that the town hall take place here, said John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, state director of Equity and Civil Rights at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The town hall will run 6 to 8 p.m. May 27 at the Federal Way High School cafeteria, 30611 16th Ave. S.

“We’re really happy to be a venue,” district spokeswoman Diane Turner said.

House Bill 3026

House Bill 3026 prohibits discrimination in Washington public schools on the basis of “race, creed, religion, color, national origin, 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.”

According to the new law, which goes into effect June 10, the state superintendent has the power to enforce and obtain compliance with the act. The superintendent must develop rules and guidelines to eliminate the prohibited discrimination, and will monitor school districts for compliance.

The town halls are geared toward helping officials gather input for the new rules. Following the series of town halls, there will be a formal rule making process that will include public hearings on the exact language.

OSPI wants to gather information about what is actually happening in school districts — in the views of parents, students and faculty members.

“We really want to hear what’s happening around the issue of discrimination,” Chaisson-Cardenas said.

Learn more

Other locations for town halls include Granger, Wenatchee, Everett, Highline and Olympia school districts. Depending on the venue, Chaisson-Cardenas expects anywhere from 25-50 people at each town hall. For more information, contact (360) 725-6162 or equity@k12.wa.us.