This article is one of a series of articles produced by Word in Black through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Word In Black is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country.
By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Washington State Senator T’wina Nobles (D – 28th Dist.) has announced two key legislative proposals aimed at advancing education in Washington State: Senate Bill 5123 and Senate Bill 5120. Both bills seek to address systemic inequities and provide greater support for marginalized students and underserved schools.
Senate Bill 5123, heard by the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee on January 21, focuses on updating anti-discrimination protections in public schools. Sponsored by Nobles, the bill expands state law to explicitly protect students based on immigration status, neurodivergence, ethnicity, and homelessness. It also provides clearer distinctions for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, which were previously grouped together in the statute.
The current law, enacted in 2010, does not reflect recent understandings of identity or the diverse experiences of today’s students. The proposed changes aim to address these gaps, improve enforcement, and create more inclusive school environments.
“Our schools must be safe spaces for everyone,” Nobles said. “This legislation ensures our laws better reflect the diverse experiences of today’s students and provide clear protections to prevent discrimination.”
Nobles highlighted the serious consequences of discrimination on students’ well-being and academic success.
“Studies repeatedly show marginalized students experience higher rates of mental health challenges and lower academic performance when they face harassment or bias,” Nobles said. “By updating the statute, we can help ensure every student, regardless of their circumstances, background, or identity, can learn in an environment free of discrimination.”
The legislation represents Nobles’ vision for schools where every student feels safe, valued, and protected.
“By explicitly including protections for students based on immigration status, neurodivergence, ethnicity, and homelessness, and refining categories for gender identity and expression, we can address long-standing gaps in anti-discrimination laws,” Nobles explained. “My hope is that these changes foster inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive free from harassment or bias. These updates are not just about policy — they’re about creating a better future for every child in Washington, and that starts in the classroom.”
Senate Bill 5120, also sponsored by Nobles, was heard by the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee on January 23. This bill aims to strengthen the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) High Poverty by expanding eligibility and increasing funding to better serve high-poverty schools and students across Washington.
Under current law, schools qualify for LAP High Poverty funding if 50% or more of their students qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals. Senate Bill 5120 proposes lowering this threshold to 30%, which would make 659 additional schools and 319,000 more students eligible for critical support.
For schools where 70% or more of students qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals, the bill doubles funding to provide concentrated resources for the state’s most underserved schools. The proposal also introduces a tiered funding model, replacing the current binary eligibility system, which would allow resources to be allocated based on varying levels of need.
This funding would support interventions such as tutoring, supplemental academic programs, and other tailored strategies to improve educational outcomes. If enacted, 59 additional school districts would qualify for LAP High Poverty funding, expanding access to vital resources.
“Every child in Washington deserves an equal chance to thrive, and this bill brings us closer to that goal by expanding eligibility and increasing funding where it is needed most,” Nobles said.
The proposed tiered funding model aims to ensure that resources are distributed more equitably, providing schools with the tools to address the unique needs of their student populations.
“Lowering the eligibility threshold and introducing a tiered funding model will ensure that resources are allocated based on actual need,” Nobles explained. “I want to see more schools and districts equipped to provide targeted interventions like tutoring and supplemental academic programs, giving every child the chance to succeed, no matter their zip code or circumstances.”
Together, Senate Bills 5123 and 5120 reflect Nobles’ broader commitment to equity and inclusion in education. Senate Bill 5123 aims to create safer, more inclusive schools by addressing gaps in anti-discrimination protections. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 5120 seeks to tackle disparities in funding by equipping high-poverty schools with the resources they need to support students effectively.
Both bills highlight the importance of proactive policy changes to meet the diverse needs of students across Washington. By addressing systemic inequities, Nobles hopes to create a transformative shift in how schools serve marginalized and underserved populations.
“These bills are about creating opportunities for every child to thrive,” Nobles said. “Whether through expanding protections or increasing access to resources, we’re building a foundation for a stronger, more equitable future for all students in Washington.”
Source: Seattle Medium
