Please Join Us!
TUESDAY, MARCH 4TH
AFT’s Day of Action for Public Education & Post-Rally Social
Day of Action Rally for Public Education – Information Picketing
Join AFT faculty and allies from Shoreline, Cascadia, Everett, and Edmonds Colleges, alongside AFT Washington leaders, for an information picketing event demanding full funding for faculty COLAs, fair pay, and no furloughs! With Washington State set to finalize its 2025-2027 biennium budget later this month, now is the time to stand up for fair compensation and strong community colleges.
- When: Tuesday, March 4th, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
- Where: Lynnwood Event Center (3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036) – Look for the giant heart artwork at the corner of 196th St SW and 36th Ave W
- Parking: 400 free parking spaces and overflow parking are available at the Lynnwood Event Center. Do not park in spaces marked “No Convention Center Parking” or at Schoener Square (Lamps Plus/FedEx)
- Additional Info: Signs will be provided – Dress for wet and cold weather
Post-Rally AFT Social Event – Peace of Mind Brewery
After the Day of Action rally, join faculty from Shoreline, Cascadia, Everett, and Edmonds Colleges, along with AFT Washington leaders, for a social gathering to connect, unwind, and build community. This is a great opportunity to get to know your faculty colleagues and learn more about how AFT Washington is advocating for faculty rights and fair working conditions. We hope to see you there!
- When: Tuesday, March 4th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (right after the Day of Action event)
- Where: Peace of Mind Brewing (18411 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98037)
- Additional Info: Outside food is allowed inside the brewery
- Driving Directions: Exit the Lynnwood Event Center parking lot and turn right onto 196th St SW (WA-524 West). Continue straight for approximately 1.2 miles toward Highway 99. Turn right onto Highway 99 North (WA-99 North) and drive for another 1.2 miles. Peace of Mind Brewing will be on your right, just past 184th St SW. Parking is available at the brewery. Estimated Drive Time: 5-7 minutes (Approximately 2.5 miles)
Print Flyer HERE
Defending DEI, Academic Freedom, and Faculty Rights
By Scott Haddock, JD, President, Edmonds College Federation of Teachers, Local 4254
I. Faculty Rights Are Protected – Know the Facts
Faculty at Edmonds College have contractual and legal rights to engage in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work without interference. However, recent federal pressure has misrepresented legal precedent, misleading institutions into scaling back DEI initiatives. The Edmonds College Federation of Teachers is committed to ensuring that faculty have accurate legal information, contractual protections, and institutional support to continue this vital work.
A. Misinterpretations of the Harvard Decision
On February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague Letter, followed by a nine-page FAQ document on February 28, falsely implying that the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, 600 U.S. 181 (2023) (Harvard), requires colleges to roll back DEI programs.
B. What the Harvard Decision Actually Says
The Supreme Court’s 2023 Harvard ruling struck down race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions—but nothing more.
It does not:
✔ Ban DEI programs in hiring, faculty development, or student services
✔ Prohibit faculty from teaching about race, diversity, or equity-related topics
✔ Invalidate student organizations or affinity groups that focus on identity-based support networks
✔ Require institutions to dismantle DEI initiatives designed to increase access and support for historically marginalized communities
Despite this narrow ruling, the OCR’s recent guidance misinterprets the decision and wrongly pressures institutions into believing they must reduce or eliminate their DEI efforts.
C. What OCR Can and Cannot Do
OCR enforces federal civil rights laws in education, including:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 – Prohibits sex-based discrimination
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Protects individuals with disabilities
However, OCR does not have the authority to rewrite laws or eliminate DEI programs. While it can issue guidance, this is not legally binding and does not override state law or contractual faculty protections.
OCR cannot:
🚫 Unilaterally eliminate DEI programs
🚫 Revoke federal funding without due process
🚫 Override state law protections for DEI in Washington
Courts have historically ruled against federal agencies when they attempt to expand their authority beyond what the law allows.
II. Washington State Law Protects DEI
Edmonds College is legally and contractually required to maintain and advance DEI initiatives. Failing to do so could violate faculty rights under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and risk noncompliance with Washington State law.
A. Key DEI Laws in Washington
📌 Senate Bill 5227 (2021) – Requires public colleges to provide:
- DEI and anti-racism training for faculty, staff, and students
- Campus climate assessments
- Structured discussions on equity
📌 RCW 28B.50.920 – Requires colleges to:
- Develop biennial DEI strategic plans with faculty and student input
- Expand outreach efforts to support historically marginalized students
📌 RCW 28B.10.149 (Effective 2024-2025) – Requires all degree-seeking students to complete DEI education as part of their curriculum.
B. Faculty DEI Protections Under the CBA
The Edmonds College faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) includes strong protections for faculty engaging in DEI work:
✔ Academic Freedom (CBA Section 3.1.2): Faculty can engage in discussions, curriculum development, and research related to DEI without censorship, discipline, or interference.
✔ Diversity in Hiring (CBA Sections 2.2.1 & 2.2.2): The College is contractually obligated to increase faculty diversity and support DEI hiring practices.
✔ Legal Protection (CBA Section 3.8 & RCW 28B.10.842): If faculty face legal challenges for good faith DEI-related work, they may request legal representation from the College. If the College fails to provide representation, faculty have the right to seek recourse through:
- Union grievances
- Legal challenges
- Direct advocacy through the Federation
The Edmonds College Federation of Teachers is prepared to hold the College accountable for enforcing these protections.
III. What Faculty Can Do Now
This is not just a policy debate—it is about protecting our rights, our students, and the integrity of higher education.
A. If You Experience Pressure to Reduce DEI Efforts:
📩 Contact the Union Immediately
- Scott Haddock, Federation President – AFTemonds@gmail.com
- Mary Whitfield, Federation Co-VP for Dispute Resolution
- Claudia Levi, Federation Co-VP for Dispute Resolution
- Kaitlin Gillespie, AFT Washington Representative
The Federation will not allow external pressure to erode our commitments or silence faculty voices.
B. Together, We Will:
✅ Defend faculty rights under the CBA and Washington law
✅ Uphold academic freedom and prevent censorship of DEI work
✅ Protect Edmonds College as a place of inclusion and equity
By standing together, we ensure that DEI remains a protected, integral part of higher education.