‘This is going to end in court:’ Washington Superintendent addresses Trump’s education cuts
Mar 13, 2025, 5:38 PM
Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal (Photo courtesy Washington's public affairs network)
(Photo courtesy Washington's public affairs network)
Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal held a news conference Thursday afternoon to address concerns over President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders in regard to education.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday the Education Department is looking to lay off more than 1,300 employees with the goal of cutting half of the organization’s staff.
According to Washington officials, only about 7% of the state’s education budget comes from the federal government, however, any cut will hurt — especially low-income families, those with disabilities and the transgender community.
Related from MyNorthwest: WA Superintendent Chris Reykdal criticizes Trump’s education defunding based on DEI, trans student policies
Washington Superintendent highlights Title 1 and Title 9
Reykdal talked specifically about potential impacts to Title 1, which supports low-income families, and Title 9, which supports and protects transgender students and student athletes.
“We’ve got specific laws that allow us to go beyond the civil rights minimum of the federal laws,” Reykdal said. “So, we’ve gone beyond Title 9’s minimum and we’ve said students who participate in athletics and activities based on their gender identity. This framework in this state has been in place for 18 years and until recently, was not controversial because it’s grounded in a real humane policy. It’s grounded in laws in this state.”
Reykdal said his office is constantly working with the Legislature regarding funding. He said his office is also working with the Attorney General’s Office to help navigate the president’s executive orders that impact families in Washington.
“Our state laws control in this case,” Reykdal said. “The president’s executive order does not get to change law. There’s no doubt this is going to end up in the courts.”
Related from MyNorthwest: Seattle City Attorney defends future of sanctuary city status amid Trump’s threat to hold funding
Contributing: The Associated Press
