Tahoma Required to Teach LGTBQ History Starting in 2025
The Tahoma School District, along with others in Washington, will be implementing a new educational mandate by 2025, following Governor Jay Inslee's signing of SB-5462 into law. This legislation requires the incorporation of LGBTQ perspectives and history into the school curriculum as part of the state’s “Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion” (DEI) initiative.
The bill’s proponents claim its objective is to eliminate perceived biases in educational resources, thereby creating a more “inclusive” and “representative” learning environment for students. According to this new legislation, educational leaders are tasked with developing curricula that reflect these controversial new standards.
As parents, it's crucial we stay informed about how these changes will manifest within our district. Tahoma Parents will be monitoring the situation closely, keeping an eye on the specific curricular content and teaching methods that will be adopted in our schools. Our focus is to understand how these educational materials will be introduced and integrated into our children's learning experiences. Moreover, we are attentive to providing information about opt-out options as they become available, understanding that many parents will wish to seek alternatives based on their family values and beliefs.
Community members have expressed concerns that this legislative move represents a push toward sexual indoctrination. We encourage parents to engage with the school board, attend informational meetings regarding the curriculum as it develops, and review proposed educational materials to form their own opinions and make informed decisions regarding their children's education.
Tahoma Parents respects the beliefs, customs, and ideologies of our diverse set of children and families within the Tahoma School District. We also recognize that it is impossible to satisfy everyone regarding sensitive topics related to sex and gender identity in schools. Accordingly, we believe that these controversial topics are best addressed by parents and caregivers outside of the school environment.
The Washington State School Directors’ Association is required to review and update a model policy by June 1, 2025, with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) set to produce and disseminate a schedule for revising state learning standards by September 1, 2025. As these dates approach, we will strive to keep the Tahoma School District community informed and engaged with the latest developments, ensuring that parents have a voice in this significant educational shift.
Tahoma Parents is seeking community members experienced in navigating homeschooling and private schooling options. Our goal is to compile and publish resources to assist other parents considering these educational paths. If you have relevant experience and can contribute resources for publication, please contact us.
