CHENEY, Wash. — The Cheney School District is one of 18 school districts across the country under investigation for Title IX violations over its transgender athlete policy, following action launched this week by the U.S. Department of Education.
The investigations were launched in response to complaints filed against the districts for transgender athletes competing in sports based on their gender identity.
The Department of Education says Cheney allowed a transgender girl to compete on the girls’ track team. This practice is compliant with Washington state law, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
In a statement issued to KXLY, the Cheney School District said they are aware of the investigation but cannot comment on it at this time. They intend to cooperate with investigators throughout the process.
Aspen Cullen, a former Cheney student athlete who majored in women’s and gender studies at Eastern Washington University, supports the district’s inclusive approach.
“As a non-binary person who was in the school, I’m so glad that they have been accepting of trans people and trans kids. They just deserve to play sports just like everybody else,” Cullen said.
Cullen acknowledged gender identity can be a confusing concept but pointed out high school is a pivotal time for affirmation and acceptance.
“Right now, their brains are developing. So if we turn into negative thoughts and give them hate, that’s what they’re going to internalize. And we’ve already seen an uptick of a national crisis for transgender youth,” Cullen said.
The Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey argues these policies violate women’s rights, dignity and fairness.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association maintains they are not involved in investigations or actions involving local school districts and remains committed to following state law.
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