On Monday evening the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors will meet to decide whether to grant Superintendent Ben Shuldiner and the district’s legal counsel authority to pursue legal action over Washington’s Initiative 638. The measure, approved by 56% of voters in the November 3 election, prohibits biological males from competing in sports designated for female athletes, regardless of gender identity.
Seattle’s pending legal discussion
The board’s agenda lists an executive‑session item that would allow the district to consult legal counsel about potential litigation or enforcement actions. The language cites RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), noting that public knowledge of the discussion could cause adverse legal or financial consequences for the agency. Seattle’s board unanimously opposed I‑638 in September, but has not yet responded to requests for comment about the upcoming vote.
Battle Ground’s resolution to implement the law
At the same time, the Battle Ground School Board has been asked to consider a parent‑driven resolution that would require the district to implement I‑638 once it is certified by the Secretary of State on Dec. 3. The resolution states the district “shall not delay, suspend, or refuse implementation of Initiative 26‑638 solely because a legal challenge has been announced, filed, or is pending before a court.”
Sheona Lowe, mother of a 15‑year‑old cross‑country runner, testified that her daughter may quit the sport if biological males are allowed to compete in the girls’ division. Lowe urged the board to honor the voters’ decision, emphasizing fairness and safety for young female athletes.
State‑wide reactions
Supporters of I‑638 argue the initiative protects fairness and safety in girls’ sports. Let’s Go Washington, which sponsored the measure, warned that districts allowing boys to compete with girls after Dec. 3 would violate the law and called on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and school authorities to act swiftly.
Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender (DIAG) expressed no surprise at legal challenges, criticizing state leadership for being out of touch with “regular voters.” DIAG’s Washington State Coordinator Brian Anderson noted that the measure received 42% support in King County, the state’s most liberal county.
The Seattle board’s decision and Battle Ground’s resolution illustrate the divergent approaches Washington school districts are taking as they navigate the implementation of I‑638.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
