2-8-2019
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — An initiative that would bring back affirmative action in Washington state will be considered by the legislature and could go to voters on the November ballot.
Secretary of State Kim Wyman says the Initiative 1000 campaign collected enough signatures to certify the measure.
It would allow the state government to use affirmative action policies that do not constitute preferential treatment to remedy discrimination in public employment, education and contracting.
It would also undo a 1998 initiative approved by voters that banned the government from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to people and groups based on factors such as race or gender.
The initiative has the endorsements of Governor Jay Inslee and the previous two governors Chris Gregoire and Gary Locke.