Washington AG Sues Seattle Schools for Discrimination

The Washington State Attorney General's Office has filed a lawsuit against Seattle Public Schools (SPS), alleging the district failed to provide legally required accommodations for pregnant and nursing employees, violating the state Healthy Starts Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination. The suit claims SPS neglected to offer flexible restroom breaks, modified work schedules, and suitable spaces for expressing milk, resulting in health issues like clogged ducts and infections for employees. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses SPS of retaliating against employees seeking accommodations through negative performance reviews and withholding pay and benefits. Despite attempts to reach an agreement prior to litigation, the discussions with SPS were unsuccessful, prompting the lawsuit in King County Superior Court to seek cessation of these practices and restitution for affected employees.