Context
Since 1998, public universities in Washington state must comply with Initiative 200, which prohibits discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. In addition, universities receiving federal funds must comply with long-standing federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, or sex, among other protected characteristics.
Purpose
In response to regulatory action under the Biden administration to enforce federal law, the University launched guidance in April 2024 in the form of a Programs and Activities checklist. Subsequently, in September 2025, the University launched two additional checklists to provide specific guidance for Admissions and Scholarships and Employment Practices and Training.
These checklists were designed to support the University’s compliance with state and federal laws while protecting the core mission and values of the University – including its commitment to opportunity and access for all as outlined in the Board of Regents’ Statement on Diversity: ‘At the University of Washington, diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity, and justice for all.’
Implementation
Units and programs must ensure that their programs and activities, including admissions and scholarships and employment practices, are in compliance with the relevant checklists. For each checklist, units are encouraged to request a consultation if questions arise.
Although the checklists focus on the protected characteristics of race, color, national origin, and sex, federal and state laws and University policies provide similar protections for other protected characteristics. Each checklist contains a point of contact for questions regarding how federal and state laws and University policies apply to other protected characteristics (creed, religion, citizenship, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status).
Programs & Activities Checklist