A Republican-backed bill was introduced this week that would abolish the Office of Equity in Washington. Now the state’s Legislative Black Caucus is decrying the proposal as a “threat to racial equity and justice.”
House Bill 1959 seeks to eliminate the Office of Equity, “saving the taxpayers $19,500,000.” The proposal is sponsored by Republican state Reps. Jeremie Dufault of Selah, Travis Couture of Allyn and Matt Marshall of Eatonville.
On Thursday, the Legislative Black Caucus issued a news release condemning the bill as “deeply harmful” and shortsighted. Caucus members noted that the Office of Equity, which is located in the Office of the Governor, was launched in 2020 to address systemic, deep-rooted inequities.
The Black Caucus said the office promotes policies that uphold equal access, justice and opportunities for all residents, particularly those who have been historically discriminated against and excluded.
If the office were to shutter, LBC members said, it would perpetuate the disparity, injustice and poverty endured by BIPOC communities. Caucus lawmakers urged their colleagues to reject the measure.
“Instead of dismantling progress, we urge legislators to strengthen and expand the work of the Office of Equity,” the LBC wrote Feb. 13. “We must continue fighting for policies that ensure every Washingtonian — regardless of race, ethnicity, or background — has the opportunity to thrive.”
Prime sponsor Dufault sees matters differently.
“We don’t need to spend $20M to fund an office of equal results,” he said in an emailed statement. “We need to provide equal opportunities, not equal results, and there are many state agencies that already do that.”
The bill comes as President Donald Trump has taken action to extinguish diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives nationwide. The White House classifies DEI efforts as “radical” and “wasteful.”
Trump’s war on DEI has prompted various corporations, media organizations and colleges and universities to reverse course on their own programs.
But Gov. Bob Ferguson on Thursday doubled down on the state’s DEI efforts. He told reporters that even if federal funding is revoked, Trump can’t prevent Washington from using its own resources to work toward its goals.
McClatchy has reached out to the state’s Office of Equity seeking comment.
What does the bill say?
House Bill 1959 states that the government should prioritize funding excellent schools, safe streets and high-quality infrastructure, as well as protecting the most vulnerable — allowing residents, businesses and families to thrive.
“This is only possible when the tax burden placed upon the people is limited to what is necessary to fund essential needs and services, ensuring that the state remains economically competitive and a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family,” the bill text says.
HB 1959 also states that if the Office of Equity enjoys robust public support, it could be restored as a nonprofit, but that taxpayers would not continue to foot the bill.
The Legislative Black Caucus disputes the idea that the office’s justice and equity work can be accomplished by nonprofits. They noted in the news release that such organizations lack the same resources and mandate to achieve meaningful change.
LBC members argue that the office was created for a purpose: to hold the government to account for the sake of all residents, particularly those whom justice has been long denied.
“We will not stand idly by while our communities are silenced and neglected,” the LBC said. “Our work is not done. Our fight for justice is not over.”
HB 1959 was prefiled for introduction Feb. 11 and referred to the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee the following day. As of late Friday morning, the bill had not been scheduled for a hearing.
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