Washington school sports could see major changes for transgender athletes

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Parents across Washington could see major changes in how their kids compete in school sports. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association is considering a proposal that would keep transgender athletes from competing in the same division as biological girls.

Tonight, the Central Valley School Board will be briefed on this issue along with other amended changes in the WIAA handbook.

The proposal would create two sports divisions: an “open category” and a “girls category.” The policy is modeled after Alaska’s program. The open division would be for all student athletes, regardless of sex, gender identity or gender expression. The girls category would be limited to students whose biological sex is female.

This proposal has the broadest support of the 35 amendments the school sports board will consider. Twelve districts have signed on, including the Mead School District.

“We’re continuing our support, recognizing that all the students in the schools need to have fair and equitable competition opportunities. And we want to encourage all students to participate in the activities,” said BrieAnne Gray, president of the Mead School District.

Central Valley did not sign in support but has urged the WIAA to reconsider its policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in sports that align with their gender identity. However, others have expressed strong opposition during board meetings, saying it discriminates against transgender people.

This major change would go against state law, so it would have legal hurdles to clear before implementation.

“That is kind of why it is such a touchy and hard one to decide. As in what does this mean. Is it a directive that we do this? Or once again is it just an advisory,” said Mike Edward, WIAA District 6 director.

Edward says there is still a lot to figure out legally about how this would work if passed.

While Central Valley will consider if it supports this change over the next month, the decision ultimately rests with a representative assembly made up of 53 school administrators from each district in the WIAA.

Today, the Central Valley board will only get information about the amendments. Discussion is expected in the coming weeks. Their district representative will gather input and vote on the amendments in April.