Dear Members of the Washington State Legislature,
We, the undersigned community-based organizations, educators, advocates, and allies across Washington State, write to express our strong support for Substitute Senate Bill 5574 (SSB 5574), sponsored by Senator T’wina Nobles. This legislation advances Washington’s commitment to comprehensive and historically accurate education by requiring instruction on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI), Latino American, and Black American history within K–12 public school social studies courses.
Washington is home to diverse communities whose histories are deeply intertwined with the state’s development and the nation’s democratic foundations. AA & NH/PI, Latino American, and Black American communities have shaped Washington through labor movements, civic leadership, military service, arts and sciences, and social justice organizing. Yet too often, students graduate without learning these histories in a meaningful or accurate way. SSB 5574 addresses this long-standing gap by ensuring these histories are taught within existing United States and Washington state history frameworks, without adding new graduation requirements.
SSB 5574 builds on prior legislative efforts by expanding the inclusion of AA & NH/PI history to also encompass Latino American and Black American history, reflecting the reality that our communities’ stories are interconnected. The bill directs school districts to adopt policies ensuring this instruction is included during regular curriculum review cycles, with implementation beginning in the 2029–2030 school year. This thoughtful approach supports local governance while setting a clear statewide expectation for expansive and accurate history education.
At a time when students from historically marginalized communities continue to face bullying, bias, and hate, comprehensive and historically accurate education is a critical preventive and protective measure. Research consistently shows that historically accurate curricula embedded in required coursework improve student engagement, strengthen school climate, reduce bias, and foster cross-cultural understanding. For students who rarely see themselves reflected in what they learn, this instruction affirms belonging, supports mental health, and helps ensure schools are places of safety and dignity. For all students, it provides a fuller understanding of our shared history and prepares them to participate thoughtfully in a diverse democracy.
SSB 5574 carries no fiscal note and complements—rather than replaces—existing curricula and ethnic studies efforts, including the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial tribal sovereignty curriculum and other resources already available to educators. It reflects years of community engagement, educator expertise, and lived experience brought together by a broad and growing coalition committed to educational equity.
We request your support for SSB 5574 and for its passage this legislative session.
Washington’s students deserve an education that is complete, accurate, and reflective of the communities that shape our state.
Thank you for your leadership and consideration.
Sincerely,
Coalition letter supporting SSB 5574_1