Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa issued the following statement on Resolutions 3855 and 3856, passed unanimously by the Port Commission today:
The Port of Seattle's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is foundational to our mission as a public institution and global gateway. The Commission has long opposed efforts that erode the rights, dignity, and privacy of vulnerable communities. Government should not compel the disclosure of private medical information, weaponize personal health records, or require individuals to surrender their privacy in order to participate fully in public life. Port of Seattle Commission Resolutions 3855 and 3856 reaffirm that principle by opposing two measures on the November 3, 2026, ballot that would weaken long-standing protections for personal privacy and expose young people, particularly trans youth and other vulnerable students, to the disclosure of deeply personal health information.
The Port serves every resident of King County and welcomes millions of people from around the world each year. Through our Welcoming Port Policy, we are committed to ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect and feel welcome, safe, and able to access opportunities without discrimination. Not every young person has a supportive environment in which to navigate medical or mental health decisions, and policies that force disclosure of sensitive information can create barriers to seeking care, participating in school activities, and accessing trusted support systems.
The Port is a major employer and a catalyst for nearly 204,000 jobs throughout King County. Our success depends on attracting talent, welcoming visitors, and supporting workforce development, which is why we make substantial investments into youth programs. With that responsibility comes an obligation to defend the rights and freedoms of all people, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
For these reasons, the Port of Seattle Commission supports Resolutions 3855 and 3856 and reaffirms the principles established in Order No. 2022-08. We remain committed to protecting personal health information from compelled disclosure and government intrusion and to ensuring that all people, including trans youth and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, are welcome, valued, and safe at the gateways and in the workplaces of the Port of Seattle.
