Washington High School Athletics Faces Challenges in Revising Transgender Participation Policies
Olympia, WA — The landscape of high school athletics in Washington State is undergoing significant scrutiny as various school districts advocate for changes to the current policies governing transgender student-athlete participation. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) currently permits students to compete on teams that align with their gender identity, a stance that has sparked debate among educators, parents, and policymakers.
School District Initiatives
In October 2024, the Mead School Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing the participation of transgender girls in girls’ sports. The board cited concerns over safety and fairness, highlighting perceived physiological advantages of transgender athletes. Board Vice President BrieAnne Gray emphasized the board’s responsibility to protect female athletes, stating, “It is our job as adults to fix them and protect our female athletes.”
Similarly, the Central Valley School Board expressed reservations about transgender girls competing in girls’ sports. In November 2024, the board passed a resolution and sent a letter to the WIAA and legislators, urging consideration of safety and fairness for cisgender female athletes. The resolution argued that “biological males, regardless of their gender identity, threaten injury against biological females when competing in female athletics because of their physiological differences.”
Proposed Policy Amendments
A coalition of school districts, including Lynden, Blaine, Brewster, and others, has proposed amendments to the WIAA’s guidelines. One proposal seeks to restrict girls’ sports to students assigned female at birth, citing concerns over “potential physical advantages.” Another suggests creating an “open division” for transgender athletes, allowing them to compete in a separate category. These amendments are modeled after policies in Alaska and are under review by the WIAA, with discussions and votes scheduled for early 2025.
State-Level Perspectives
Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, has defended the current inclusive policies. He argued that asserting there are only two genders is “inaccurate” and emphasized the state’s commitment to civil rights, which includes allowing students to participate based on their gender identity. Reykdal criticized federal actions aiming to ban transgender athletes from female sports, stating that such changes should come from legislative bodies rather than executive orders.
National Context
The debate in Washington aligns with national discussions on transgender participation in sports. In February 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in female sports categories, asserting that such participation undermines fairness in women’s sports. This order has prompted various responses, including legal challenges and policy reviews at both state and federal levels.
Looking Ahead
As Washington State navigates these complex issues, the WIAA faces the challenging task of balancing inclusivity with concerns over fairness and safety. The outcomes of upcoming votes on proposed amendments will significantly influence the future of high school athletics in the state. Stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, and policymakers, continue to engage in discussions to find equitable solutions that respect the rights and identities of all student-athletes.