Honoring humanity creates an equitable and just society.
About
The Washington State Office of Equity champions equity and justice for Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) people and celebrates the rich Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage that has shaped the state’s history and is instrumental to its future success. The Office of Equity recognizes the perseverance, strength, accomplishments, and joy of our Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities who withstood xenophobia and racism for generations and during the COVID pandemic.
We work to ensure that every Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander has equitable access to the opportunities, power, and resources they need to succeed and are welcomed, supported, and feel a sense of belonging when working in or seeking assistance from state agencies. We count on the commitment, partnership, and support of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities and leaders – across the state, inside and outside of state government, - in this important work of dismantling the historic, systemic, power dynamics that oppress Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders, while building new systems and safeguards that advance representation and ensure Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander access to participation in all aspects of society (such as, government, business, education) until each and every Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander person in the state flourishes and achieves their full potential.
Equity concerns for the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Community in Washington include:
- Addressing the high rates of limited English proficiency which compounds the barriers Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander people face in achieving equitable health, economic and educational opportunities.
- Eliminating employment discrimination.
- Eliminating housing discrimination in rental and homebuying processes.
Throughout our nation’s history, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have helped forge the country we have today. With grit and determination, AAPI men and women have pursued their own versions of the American dream and made significant contributions as leaders in all sectors of our economy, every aspect of our culture, and through our government. President Barack Obama
Growing Washington’s economy, strengthening our schools and bringing a culture of performance and efficiency to state government in part relies on the duties carried out by dedicated members of the community. Governor Jay Inslee