Washington vows to defend undocumented and transgender students against federal civil-rights rollbacks

Chris Reykdal said Washington will resist federal actions that undermine students’ civil rights and pledged state-level defense for undocumented and transgender students. "If it is about stepping on the civil rights of children, however, we're not in, and we're gonna fight it," Reykdal said.

Reykdal told reporters OSPI is preparing to coordinate with the attorney general’s office to assess litigation risk and responses if a federal administration withholds funds to enforce its interpretation of civil-rights laws (Reykdal referenced "title 9" in the remarks; the statutory name is Title IX). He said Washington will work with federal officials where flexibility and equitable funding are offered, but will oppose actions that would compel schools to act as immigration-enforcement bodies.

The superintendent framed this stance as consistent with state law and previous OSPI practice: "Whether it's undocumented youth who have a constitutional right to education in the state of Washington, we will protect you. We will defend you, and we will get you access to education." He also said OSPI would develop a state framework for any flexible federal funds to preserve core protections for students.

Reykdal said some federal Department of Education functions may be reallocated under proposals in Washington, D.C., and that states could be asked to work with multiple federal agencies; he called that approach "ironic" and said OSPI will navigate any changes carefully.

The transcript records no formal legal filings during the event; Reykdal described coordination with the attorney general and a readiness to litigate if funding or civil-rights enforcement is used to curtail state protections.