State-funded reparative-action study outlines scope and timeline for preliminary and final reports

Leads for the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Study on Reparative Action presented the project's scope, methodology and schedule to the Commission on African American Affairs.

Ashley Gardner (principal project manager) and co-leads Marvin Slaughter and Thomas Craemer said the study, funded by the Washington State Legislature during the 2025 session and contracted through the Department of Commerce, will examine the history and enduring impact of slavery in the United States with a focus on the former Washington and Oregon territories. The team said the study will analyze how historical laws and systems affected descendants in economics, education and criminal justice and will use the Healthy People 2030 social determinants of health model as a framework.

The presenters outlined deliverables and timing: a preliminary report due by June 2026, an interim update by December 2026, and a final report with recommendations by June 2027. They said the research phase has begun and listed community engagement activities including a survey (April–August 2026), an advisory panel in summer 2026, grassroots outreach at local events in summer 2026, listening sessions and town halls (early 2027), and regular project updates via informational sessions and social media. The commission received the update; no formal vote on the study was recorded at the meeting.