[5] In April 2019, the Washington Legislature passed Initiative 1000, ending the ban on affirmative action.
[5][7][8] In the late 1960s and early 1970s, as the civil rights movement came to an end, states nationwide developed policies as a form of remedy aimed to help mitigate the impact of institutionalized racism, sexism, etc.
The policies were created to give special consideration to underrepresented minorities when state contracts and hiring where involved.
Chapter 49.60 RCW, which prohibited discrimination against any person on basis of race, color, creed, national origin, family and marital statute, sex, age, or disability, was the standing Washington law prior to the enactment of Initiative 200, and had been upheld previously by courts and the Human Rights Commission.
The requirements outlined in the admission program must have complied with all federal laws prohibiting discrimination.
[10] Initiative 200, a Washington State statute enacted by direct public vote took place in November 1998.
[14] Proponents of I-200 said it was a step toward a "colorblind" society, a promise of the equality of merit and the limited role of government to make that so.
However, opponents have noted that colorblind ideologies individualize conflicts and shortcomings, rather than examining the larger picture with cultural differences, stereotypes, and values placed into context.