Bullying & Harrasment

Rights & Protections

Washington State has some of the strongest protections in the country for transgender and gender-expansive students. Washington public schools are required to follow the Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy. This means they must prevent and respond to discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or expression..

This guide is not a replacement for legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)

RCW 281.642

Prohibits discrimination in public schools based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, and other characteristics.

RCW 281.642.080

Mandates that each school district adopts or amends policies and procedures to incorporate elements of the model transgender student policy, a standard template that provides the framework and requirements including:

  • Designating a primary contact for transgender student policies
  • Ensuring implementation of these policies
  • Serving as the liaison between the school district and the
  • Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

What to do if you’re being bullied or harassed

You should tell someone with the authority to investigate and address the problem. This could be your principal, assistant principal, school counselor, or another trusted staff member.

In Washington State, every public school district is required to:

  • Designate a Gender-Inclusive Schools Compliance Officer, sometimes called a Civil Rights or Equity Coordinator. You can find your school district’s designated Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator on the district’s website or by calling the main office.

  • Adopt and implement a Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy aligned with OSPI Guidelines.
  • Investigate any reported incidents of gender-based harassment or discrimination even if no formal complaint is filed.
Escalating Reports

If your school doesn’t address the issue properly, you have the right to escalate your complaint. You can:

  • File a complaint with your school district under its Gender-Inclusive or Nondiscrimination Policy. Every district is required by law to have a procedure for handling these complaints.
  • File a complaint with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) through the Equity and Civil Rights Office.
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