Washington Bill Lets Students Skip School for Political Protests
A new bill in Washington state has sparked debate over whether students should receive excused absences for political protests. Two House Democrats introduced HB 2732, which would allow public school pupils in the United States to miss class for civic activities—including protests—with parental permission. Critics argue the proposal risks politicising schools, while supporters say it encourages democratic participation.
The proposed law would let students take up to one excused absence per term for 'civic engagement activities.' These include legislative visits, meetings with elected officials, and protests against federal immigration enforcement. Schools could not refuse the absence unless specific conditions in the bill apply.
Parents or guardians would need to sign a request form at least seven days before the event. The school must then approve the absence, provided the activity meets the bill's criteria. Currently, Washington only encourages—but does not require—excused absences for state-recognized search-and-rescue work.
Opponents, like Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, claim the bill distracts from academic priorities. He argued that schools should focus on improving test scores rather than facilitating political activism. Meanwhile, Martin Moore, president of the Federal Way City Council, initially urged students to walk out in protest but later deleted the post.
No other U.S. state has passed similar legislation in the past five years, though proposals have been made. If approved, Washington would become the first to mandate excused absences for student protests on taxpayer-funded school days.
The bill now awaits further review in the state legislature. If passed, schools would need to adjust policies to accommodate student absences for approved civic activities. The outcome could set a precedent for how other states handle student participation in political events.
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