Issue Position: Racial & Social Equity

Issue Position

Institutional racism continues to create barriers for people for color at nearly every turn while women, gender non-binary people, and members of the the LGBTQ+ community face inequities and dangers to their safety and dignity. We must continue to work to move our society forward towards a world that values all people. We must look at our policies with an intersectional lens and come to solutions that lift people up, rather than tear them down.

Communities of Color
We know that people of color experience harmful discrimination every day that directly threatens their ability to thrive and live safe and healthy lives. People of color are more likely to experience incarceration, be exposed to air pollution, face gun violence, and still experience a significant wage gap compared to their white counterparts. Progressive policies must focus on these marginalized communities.

Native Americans
The 36th District, and Seattle as a whole, sits on land once owned by our nation's first peoples. We must recognize this historical injustice and highlight the contributions of Native Americans, both past and present, and honor the sovereignty of tribes throughout the state of Washington and beyond. We have a cultural gem in the 36th District in the Day Break Star Indian Cultural Center, which I was proud to secure funding for in our the 2017-19 supplemental operating budget.

Immigration
Our immigrant communities are under heartless attacks from the federal government, including the separation of families seeking asylum. We have to act in Washington to protect immigrants and refugees and realize that cultural and ethnic diversity helps make Washington great.

LGBTQ+
The fight for equal rights for our LGBTQ+ population is far from over. Our LGBTQ+ community deserve the same rights as all other people, including legal rights and access to health care.

Disabilities
Those who are differently abled deserve every opportunity to succeed. Whether providing additional educational support or ensuring that people with developmental challenges earn fair wages, we must ensure that our friends in the disability community are supported. Noel was honored with the 2017 Arc of King County Award for promoting the rights of people with developmental disabilities and will continue to be a champion for this inspiring community.

Women
The legislature has a moral obligation to provide women who experience sexual assault or harassment with avenues for support and legal action. There is an urgent need for a legislative solution to the backlog of un-processed rape kits and the lack of hospitals that are equipped to provide them in the first place. We also must expand opportunities in STEM for young girls, and increase the availability of affordable childcare so women can participate fully in the workplace.

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