[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6331410,"mediaKeyId","2311158-5f5eb1fe041d3d5c1917e95f148adc2a","parentId",2311158,"title","House committee hears bill to allow one item of cultural expression at graduation ceremonies","audioSeconds",1654,"startMs",3074000,"endMs",1420000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2311158-5f5eb1fe041d3d5c1917e95f148adc2a&start=3074&end=1420","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2311158-5f5eb1fe041d3d5c1917e95f148adc2a/thumbnail_3074000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6331410/Washington/House-committee-hears-bill-to-allow-one-item-of-cultural-expression-at-graduation-ceremonies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331410-ae91ae2349a959248a60bbd196510b2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186246&Signature=GjvnkYlrdYRagyLtVlA1r4M2eojfKOklnrT461QmNmD9xAAVdtZ29~U~9FD4do2sp~KxG769HdIHiIzmmSb0NNkc54t5T--5V8EMXpMrrD7CryF97pY4y1P7VEMAhYjDz7Gq2nxEHUZdzxm3T0FAJRE4RXlRLWsI52vf0SYlquVfjvcEx9qfwDRW~Ld9MFcwsuoQwhVx-0gzB4cRD5sC1rDBJnc0WW1krTvhMPNC93Sj6puUcDLjI8oEjFZydB3mxlU3SfyW1-o18WdwIHbOJ~~plxwW1zbi7r7q2LEBg4ETkoZTyCPJOkiWbwJpmX6gYxFvs3MsbtitIwinBAqevg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Education","date","2025-02-13T00:00:00Z","article","House Education Committee members heard testimony on House Bill 1393 on the rights of students to wear a single culturally significant item at high school commencements and related graduation events. The bill would require school districts, charter schools, and state tribal education compact schools to permit one item or object of cultural significance to be worn with or attached to a graduation gown, provided the item is befitting of the ceremony and complies with applicable decorum rules; schools could forbid an item likely to cause substantial disruption or materially interfere with the ceremony.

The bill was introduced to the committee by Representative Joel McIntyre (19th District). Committee staff Damian Morton Snipper of the Office of Program Research summarized the measure and noted current law and practice: by statute districts set school dress rules, Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) maintains a model graduation-attire policy, and separate statutory provisions already protect the right of students who are members of federally recognized tribes to wear traditional tribal regalia. Morton Snipper said a fiscal note had not been requested for the bill.

Why it matters: supporters told the committee the change would let students publicly recognize family, history and identity at a milestone event without supplanting local control over ceremony decorum. Representative McIntyre described the bill as a balance between local control and students’ First Amendment expression, recounting a constituent’s report that a student had been threatened with having her diploma mailed rather than handed onstage for wearing cultural regalia. “If you come wearing anything else with your cap and gown, you don't get that diploma put in your hand,” McIntyre said he was told the student was told; he said the story motivated the legislation.

Students and education groups testified in support. Vasil Tarapov, a Lake Washington High School senior, said permitting small tokens of heritage helps immigrant students feel connected and motivated; another student witness, Ivaldi (Ivaldi Tsion), said being able to wear a kippah or similar small item connects graduates to family not present at ceremonies. Sakshi Verma, Voyn Pradovic, Anna Tabari and other Lake Washington seniors gave similar testimony about cultural identity and belonging. Lauren Mendez, chief executive officer of the Washington School Counselor Association, urged support and said the bill “strengthens and clarifies” rights for Native students who already are allowed to wear tribal regalia. Ross Thompson of the Association of Washington School Principals said the bill’s text that items must be “befitting of the ceremony” and that districts may prohibit items that would substantially disrupt or materially interfere would be important for principals and local policy.

Committee questions focused on implementation details the bill does not specify. Representative Reeves asked whether the bill defines “good taste” or provides a preapproval or appeals process; staff and the sponsor said the bill is limited in length and does not create an appeals process or a mandatory preapproval step. Representative Keaton asked whether decorated caps would remain allowed; the sponsor said the bill does not prohibit broader local practices such as decorated mortarboards and that districts retain authority over local traditions and decorum.

Supporters suggested local guidance and clear student education would reduce conflicts. Testimony urged districts to provide students with notice of local rules before graduation week. Opponents were not heard in person during the panel; the committee clerk reported 875 people signed in not wishing to testify (13 pro, 861 con, 1 other) for the record before the hearing closed.

The public hearing concluded without a committee vote on the measure. If enacted, the bill would not alter existing statutory protections for members of federally recognized tribes to wear tribal regalia.

Ending: The measure remains at the public hearing stage; committee members and witnesses flagged implementation questions — notice to students, definition of disruptive items and whether WSSDA policy should be updated — that would be addressed in subsequent drafting, policy guidance or committee work if the bill advances.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Education - 2/13/2025 8:00 AM","oneSentenceSummary","House Education Committee members heard testimony on House Bill 1393 on the rights of students to wear a single culturally significant item at graduation ceremonies.","taxTitle","Education, House of Representatives, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20259,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6331401,"Committee advances discussion on shifting institutional-education oversight, extends OSPI timeline to 2028",1248,3540000,4788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2311158-5f5eb1fe041d3d5c1917e95f148adc2a&start=3540&end=4788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2311158-5f5eb1fe041d3d5c1917e95f148adc2a/thumbnail_3540000.jpg","/articles/6331401/Washington/Committee-advances-discussion-on-shifting-institutional-education-oversight-extends-OSPI-timeline-to-2028","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331401-91e718f5e2552a2b4c66a3c5fcc3995d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186246&Signature=JMx8IfHWDsOoId9rKCALsOlp~OIJznfVWR1ZOwJ2D0-JU3DPbkjYtEGSnmGkkKB2pW6ztc0~H4~ziN917WOhXnJNDdXIXlYQkzOk6lu19QbZ1fCMMG~pcHxDHDn3mR5t2Ms8Z83oVlLrOt1Bjb7aNiw8T5alis64l3aVo3WUPi~mDXi-~fTKwFmovWOKniQ7WOJmepiXmLm1Rqp6vpzhCJypLqNA2OMABWFtaOcn-Xbr2aSWk7ky1EYXqwzVjhz7ahoN6GdxZHq4Uf7DMJXT77M4rx2ePeNh7oUOoHtD85Af6vwH5NcWaLFvrBn8EO0mvByIDQmZpKhQ96h6pSBJEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1827, which would modify earlier 2023 direction about state oversight of institutional education and extend the implementation timeline by one year. The bill revises the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) duties related to ensuring delivery and administration of basic education services to justice-involved students and requires additional study, consultation and reporting.

Committee staff Ethan Moreno summarized the bill’s background and changes. Substitute House Bill 1701 (2023) assigned OSPI responsibility beginning Sept. 1, 2027 for delivery and oversight of basic education services in facilities not under DSHS or DOC jurisdiction; HB 1827 delays and modifies that timeline, making OSPI responsible beginning Sept. 1, 2028, and extends required annual progress reports through Dec. 2027. The bill also directs OSPI to adopt rules, consult with organizations representing those who deliver education to justice-involved students, and expand its planning duties to implement research and recommendations from the Joint Select Committee on Governance and Funding for Institutional Education, to examine an additional option that preserves school-district roles, and to recommend statutory changes to ensure proper oversight.

Representative Lisa Callan, sponsor, said the measure continues a multi-year effort to improve outcomes for youth involved with juvenile justice and institutional education. Callan noted grave graduation-rate gaps for justice-involved youth, and emphasized the need for trauma‑informed delivery, clearer governance and attention to staffing transitions and student outcomes.

OSPI and labor representatives that work in institutional settings testified in favor. Misha Trnisky, speaking for the superintendent of public instruction, said the bill would help OSPI play a stronger role in improving outcomes and coordination across detention and rehabilitation facilities. Simone Beau of the Washington Education Association, representing educators who teach in juvenile facilities, supported the timeline extension and recommended stronger language to ensure educators’ voices are heard and better alignment of data metrics. Green Hill school psychologist Dr. Heather Schilling and Lewis County detention-center teacher Steve Klein described the importance of preserving educator involvement and local-district roles where appropriate. Dorana Uzzle, representing Issaquah staff who work at Echo Glen, emphasized strong teacher–student bonds in institutional settings and asked for clear explanations of the intended problems the changes would address.

Committee members asked few technical questions in the hearing itself; witnesses and sponsors focused on next steps, data alignment, and the need for a thoughtful transition timeline. Testimony emphasized the need for adequate funding, clarified data definitions and more time for direct input from educators who work inside institutional settings.

Ending: The public hearing concluded with no committee action. The bill would extend OSPI’s implementation timeline to Sept. 1, 2028 and require additional consultation and reporting steps; sponsors and education labor groups urged careful attention to educator input, data alignment and funding as the committee considers statutory and governance changes.","House Bill 1827 would revise and extend the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s duties and timeline for oversight and delivery of basic education services to justice-involved students, pushing the implementation date to Sept. 1, 2028 and expanding OSPI consultation, reporting and planning obligations.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6331405,"Committee hears bill to strengthen survivor-centered reporting, training and guides in K–12 schools",2010,1437000,3447000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2311158-5f5eb1fe041d3d5c1917e95f148adc2a&start=1437&end=3447","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2311158-5f5eb1fe041d3d5c1917e95f148adc2a/thumbnail_1437000.jpg","/articles/6331405/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-strengthen-survivor-centered-reporting-training-and-guides-in-K12-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331405-ccf5bd6a1c41c23d347523a0bac4bdc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186246&Signature=RAJzW4OymTh~tpf4G8pSSnrE2iq~-SpfIGH~k-c3zaH2sl7sCF9wHJSTDywxiQSEz~ftCNvq55QbXPYvqvxZeXKu4Fvw339KkF8-xdBj7MqwgZ1wgvaE-sr1mQ8Xvn97P8eZ9mEXjqxfJOjzrbWU4fFkWAqB9wI9~EJYe9fHOchZ5Wun4~YAVqPIF06Cci-9tBropr1kD2IFTGnT5Lle2xKJ9iCsTiBk2pdOO1rkCEAkgZkkk7-uZMgoEcSMbo2Spfw7aQUkTsqxjPvFfN3JrVRR-6m~mdwoENFGq47k9MWr70H14UL~iRYCScTGcSd5pYygfaI020Ls6uxYfiqGpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee took testimony on House Bill 1817, a bill that would expand student input, training and guidance aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault and related misconduct in public elementary and secondary schools. The bill directs the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC), supported by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, to conduct up to three collaborative meetings with specified agencies and organizations to solicit student feedback on mandatory-reporting requirements and recommend trauma-informed, survivor-centered practices; LYAC must report recommendations by Dec. 1, 2025.

Megan Wargacki, counsel to the committee, summarized the bill’s key elements: (1) LYAC-led mandatory-reporting discussions and a report due 12/01/2025; (2) new training standards, effective Aug. 1, 2027, requiring hired-and-every-three-years training that promotes trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses and includes bystander-intervention training for employees; and (3) a student-and-family guide to a district’s sexual-harassment policy prepared by OSPI in collaboration with WASDA and local experts, to be posted by Nov. 1, 2026 and translated into commonly used non‑English languages.

Sponsor Representative Eric Scott (opening remarks) framed the bill as a student-focused response to a rising number of reports of assault and increased student awareness. “This bill is designed to combat ... the folks who are the most likely to feel disempowered, which are young people, students in our K–12 institutions,” Scott said. He described the bill as student‑led and survivor‑centered and noted a companion Senate bill.

Students and advocates delivered substantial testimony supporting the bill. Student witnesses described barriers to reporting, lack of clarity about what happens after a disclosure, and reporting tools that are difficult to find or contain accusatory language. Oliver Farvar, a Lake Washington High School student, recounted personally experiencing assault and the obstacles male survivors faced in reporting and seeking help. “We need this bill to be passed and this tool to be required statewide so that students who have experienced sexual assault can get the resources they need,” he testified.

OSPI and its Equity and Civil Rights Office testified in support. Sarah Albertson, managing attorney at OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office, said OSPI’s 2023 report found students often don’t feel safe disclosing to adults because they don’t know what will happen after disclosure and fear being judged or retraumatized; the proposed training and student guides would address those deficits. OSPI indicated it did not recommend consent-based reporting in its 2023 report and that the LYAC’s recommendations would inform OSPI’s materials.

Questions from committee members addressed scope and definitions. Representative Kallen asked whether “bystander” is defined in the bill; staff said the bill contains no definition. Representative Couture asked about consent-based reporting and whether moving away from mandatory reporting could endanger children; OSPI testified it raised the issue but did not make a recommendation on consent-based reporting in the 2023 report.

Supporters urged OSPI guidance and translated materials to ensure multilingual families can access resources; several student witnesses emphasized the importance of trauma‑informed staff responses. Opponents who testified cautioned about parental involvement and OSPI’s role in reviewing local school board policies. John Axtell, a student-advocate and former school official, argued school boards should adopt policies and that OSPI should not need to review every district policy; others pressed for clarity about parent and guardian roles in the process.

The public hearing closed with no committee vote. Committee staff recorded 1,729 people signed in not wishing to testify for the record on the bill (55 pro, 1,671 con, 3 other). The bill’s major implementation milestones in the text — LYAC report (12/01/2025), OSPI posting training materials (11/01/2026), and effective staff training standard date (08/01/2027) — were emphasized by witnesses as necessary steps to reach the bill’s survivor-centered goals.

Ending: The bill remains at the public hearing stage; supporters urged the committee to adopt the student-led recommendations that LYAC will produce and to ensure OSPI materials and district guides are trauma-informed, survivor-centered and translated.","House Bill 1817 would require student-centered discussion, new training standards and a translated student-and-family guide to improve responses to sexual assault and misconduct in Washington K–12 schools; the bill directs the Legislative Youth Advisory Council to convene and report recommendations and sets implementation deadlines for OSPI.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House committee hears bill to allow one item of cultural expression at graduation ceremonies

Committee advances discussion on shifting institutional-education oversight, extends OSPI timeline to 2028

Committee hears bill to strengthen survivor-centered reporting, training and guides in K–12 schools