PDFRCW 28A.230.005
Statement of student rights.
(1)(a)(i) Each school district, charter school, and state-tribal education compact school shall develop student-focused educational and promotional materials that incorporate the statement of student rights provided by this section. A link to the materials must be made available on school district, charter school, and state-tribal education compact school websites, social media platforms, and other communication channels used by students.
(ii) The materials described in this subsection must also be incorporated into civics education materials and resources provided to students in accordance with RCW 28A.230.094.
(b) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall make the statement of student rights available on its website and is encouraged to include the statement in materials provided under RCW 28A.230.150.
(2) The statement of student rights is as follows:
(a) Public school students are the beneficiaries of the foundational principles of individual liberty and equality, as established in the Declaration of Independence, and are entitled to numerous rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the state of Washington, and federal and state laws and regulations.
(b) These rights and protections include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) The right to access an amply funded program of basic education, established pursuant to Article IX of the Constitution of the state of Washington, that provides an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to meet state-established graduation requirements, which are intended to provide students with the opportunity to graduate with a meaningful diploma that prepares them for postsecondary education, gainful employment, and citizenship as established in RCW 28A.150.200;
(ii) The right to learn in a safe, supportive learning environment, free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying and the right to file a complaint under RCW 28A.600.477 if they are subject to this behavior;
(iii) The right to access an academic environment free of discrimination according to the provisions established in chapters 28A.640, 28A.642, and 49.60 RCW;
(iv) The right to exercise constitutionally protected freedoms as established in the United States and Washington state Constitutions and as further interpreted in applicable case law including, but not limited to, the freedoms of speech, assembly, and exercise of religion;
(v) The right, in accordance with RCW 28A.300.286 and 28A.600.010, to receive copies of all school policies and procedures related to students including, but not limited to: Student conduct; nondiscrimination rules; antiharassment, intimidation, and bullying rules; discipline rules and rules related to due process rights for disciplinary actions; and the opportunity to receive educational services;
(vi) The right of students with qualifying disabilities to receive special education and related services that address their individual needs in accordance with federal law and chapter 28A.155 RCW;
(vii) The right of youth to access education programs while residing in institutional education facilities, including adult correctional facilities, in accordance with RCW 28A.150.200 and chapters 28A.190 and 28A.193 RCW;
(viii) The right of qualified students to use education facilities and services established under chapter 72.40 RCW and funded for the benefit of persons who are deaf, blind, or both; and
(ix) The right to access academic courses and instructional materials with historically and scientifically accurate information that includes the histories, contributions, and perspectives of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups in accordance with RCW 28A.345.130.
(3) The rights identified in this section are not intended to be a comprehensive delineation of student rights, the manner in which they are derived, or the associated legal limits, nor is this section intended to have any application to rights established in other titles or in other provisions of state and federal law.
(4) For purposes of this section, "public schools" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.150.010.
(5) Nothing in this section creates a private right of action.
[ 2025 c 369 s 202.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—2025 c 369 ss 201-203: "(1) The legislature finds that public education is a cornerstone of a healthy, diverse, and productive society.
(2) Article IX of the state Constitution requires the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders. This requirement recognizes that public schools are foundational to our democracy, working in partnership with families and communities to shape the next generation of leaders into respectful and engaged critical thinkers, resulting in economic prosperity and innovation for the state and its residents.
(3) In recognition of the role that public education can play in providing students with information about their rights and about how to employ their rights for the betterment of education and society, the legislature intends to require each school district, charter school, and state-tribal education compact school to develop student-focused educational and promotional materials, for communication and classroom use, that incorporate the statement of student rights established in section 202 of this act." [ 2025 c 369 s 201.]
Short title—2025 c 369 ss 201-203: "Sections 201 through 203 of this act may be known and cited as the statement of student rights act." [ 2025 c 369 s 204.]
Effective date—2025 c 369: See note following RCW 28A.320.209.