OSPI%E2%80%99s%20AGO%20Legal%20Counsel%20and%20the%20WIAA.pdf

Parent document: School Board Meeting_ Study Session-03-27-2025.pdf

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Mick Hoffman
March 19, 2025
Page 2

Similarly, OSPI is unable to provide legal advice to WIAA, which means the agency cannot tell
you definitively the legal impact and applicability of any federal actions. It is best for WIAA to
consult its own legal counsel to get advice of that nature.

OSPI Enforcement of State Antidiscrimination Law

OSPI can, however, share our own positions, which we reach after consulting with legal counsel.
Washington state antidiscrimination law complies with federal civil rights law. Accordingly, any
executive order or interpretative correspondence from the federal government cannot override
the greater protections that Washington state law provides to its residents. School districts must
follow state law, and OSPI intends to enforce state law with these understandings.

WIAA Proposed Amendments

WIAA must also follow state law, and OSPI is concerned that Proposed Amendments #7 and #8,
to be voted on this April, would violate Washington state laws including Chapters 28A.640 and
28A.42 RCW and Chapter 392-190 WAC. We have confidence that WIAA would not implement
these amendments if they were to pass in their current form.

Without compromising our attorney-client communications, we will continue to share our
guidance with you. We will continue to work together to protect Washington’s student athletes
and expect school districts to follow state law.

Chris Reykdal
Superintendent of
Public Instruction