SPOKANE, Wash. – It’s an exciting time for women’s sports, especially women’s basketball. Millions are tuning in to witness the grit and dedication it takes to be a female athlete.
Finally, they’re getting the recognition they deserve.
But in recent years, there have been growing concerns about whether or not transgender athletes are taking opportunities away from female athletes.
Especially, at the youth level.
This year, Washington state crowned its first known transgender state champion at the 2A Girls 400-meter run in Tacoma.
When East Valley’s Veronica Garcia won the race, it sparked vitriol online. Garcia is transgender and many took to social media to voice their concerns on how this was allowed and considered to be fair competition.
So, what exactly are the rules when it comes to transgender athletes in sports?
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, or WIAA, is the governing body for Washington state youth athletics. Its policy reads, “all students should have the opportunity to participate in WIAA athletics and/or activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity.”
Simply put, if a student identifies as a girl, they can compete with the girls.
“I have brought up the point each year when we have to renew a contract with the WIAA that this is a concern of mine, that the WIAA has put this in place to take away the equal right for women to compete,” BrieAnne Gray, a Mead School Board Director said.
The WIAA says it’s actually preserving equal rights.
In its Gender Diverse Toolkit, the WIAA policy says it follows both state and federal law.
The federal law states that “all persons should receive equal treatment, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Going even further Title IX states that no person, on the basis of sex shall be excluded from participation or be subjected to discrimination under any education program receiving federal financial assistance.”
Unlike the NCAA that requires transgender athletes to provide documentation of hormonal treatment, the WIAA Executive Director says student athletes do not need to disclose any medical treatment that they are receiving.
BrieAnne Gray is on the Mead school board but says she’s speaking for herself and not the whole board. She says the WIAA policy doesn’t provide equality at all.
“It’s the exact opposite of that, there are biological differences that exist and suggesting that women now have to give up their opportunity to compete in their own category. It’s absurd,” said Gray.
Gray said many members in the community have also expressed their concerns, even more so after the recent track season completed…
“We heard from grandparents, we heard from parents, we heard from people who don’t even have kids in the district, we heard from people who don’t have kids competing in athletics that were so concerned and so worried this was happening to our young females,” said Gray.
We reached out to East Valley’s Athletic Director and he declined an interview.
But, in a recent article by the Spokesman Review, the reporter had an opportunity to speak with Veronica Garcia regarding the controversy.
They quoted her saying, “I’m just a teenager. I wish people would remember that.”
Garcia also told the Spokesman she wishes those who think she should not be able to compete would take their complaints to those who make policy decisions, rather than yelling at her.
“There is very divergent views on such topics, especially this one in recent years. And so yes, people will share their opinions. That’s their right, we fully understand. And our attorneys continue to advise that we must follow state law. And so, we follow state law,” said Mick Hoffman, WIAA Executive Director.
As for the school districts that are grappling with how to handle this, Gray said she encourages those who are concerned to contact the WIAA office
“Let them know that people are are not pleased that their daughters have worked so hard, that their granddaughters, their nieces that have worked so hard for this sport, or this activity that they feel so passionate about, and they want to have the opportunity to participate on an equal playing field,” Gray said.
The WIAA says it will continue to adjust its policy as guidance evolves, but as of now, their policy does follow current law.
Some states have banned transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
Like Idaho for instance. The state put in place a ban in 2020. But currently, there is an injunction blocking the enforcement of the ban.
Several other states with similar rules, are facing the same issue.
For what the rules are in other states, click HERE.
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