Where does the League of Women Voters stand on IL26-001?

by Karen Crowley is the president of the League of Women Voters of Washington

For over a century, the nonprofit League of Women Voters has stood for and promoted informed and active participation in government and defended the rights of all to make their voice heard in our democracy. As an advocacy group, we do and have done, much more. After extensive study and consensus of our more than 3,000-strong membership, we weigh in on policy matters and issues concerning the greater good. This year, the League joins the Washington State PTA, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, former Sheriff John Lovick and others to oppose Initiative 001 on the November ballot. The League opposes this confusing and problematic initiative because it violates our positions on equality of opportunity and good government on several fronts. Sound policy serves and protects citizens with equity and transparency. Responsible public policy responds clearly to the needs of people. This initiative does neither of those things. Initiative 001 is so poorly constructed that it conflicts with other state and federal laws, creating the potential for significant confusion. It also weakens protections for victims of child abuse, negatively impacts parents’ notification rights and discourages abuse victims from seeking help from trusted adults. Initiative 001 removes commonsense protections for victims of child abuse. In 2024 alone, Washington received 117,000 reports of child abuse or neglect. This initiative puts additional numbers of children at greater risk by allowing abusers under investigation or charged with sexual abuse, violence, or neglect to access their victims’ private records without a subpoena. That’s why law enforcement and the Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault oppose the initiative. Initiative 001 also weakens policies that govern parents’ access to school information about their children. According to analysis by Washington’s Attorney General, I-001 would remove the right of parents to be immediately notified if their child is the victim or target of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or assault at school. If a student is the victim of a serious crime at school, parents should not have to wait to learn about the horrific event. Delayed notification only adds to a child’s trauma and can prevent a child from getting the immediate help and support they need from loved ones and professionals. School nurses and counselors say this measure discourages students who face domestic violence, sexual abuse, or bullying from seeking help from trusted teachers and other school professionals, who, under the provisions of the initiative would be required to release students’ confidential records. I-001 would also force schools to “out” LGBTQ+ students, putting them at greater risk of potential abuse, and homelessness. In a 2011-2012 survey of agencies, 43% of the homeless LGBT youth being served were kicked out of their homes by unsupportive families. That’s why the Washington State Nurses Association, doctors and school counselors oppose this measure. Ballot initiatives are frequently complex and confusing. This description fits I-001 to a “T.” In addition to the conflicts it would create with existing law, it runs counter to the League’s commitment to equal protection for vulnerable students. This initiative undermines state responsibility to provide ample and equal opportunity for all students to access social services, such as school counselors. It undercuts the commitment to ensure that every child regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability is ready to learn and safe in his or her educational environment. Washingtonians deserve good government and good lawmaking. Initiative 001 does not rise to that standard. Voters can protect vulnerable children by voting no when ballots arrive in our mailboxes.