Statement of Student Rights

The Statement of Student Rights

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.
 
These rights and protections include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. 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; 
  2. 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;  
  3. 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;  
  4. 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;  
  5. 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; 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;  
  6. 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;  
  7. 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;  
  8. 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   
  9. 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.  

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.

House Bill 1296 (2025)