When a male cross‑country runner switched from the boys’ team to the girls’ team at Camas High School, about a dozen female runners walked off the course in protest. The incident has thrust Washington’s high‑school sports policies into the spotlight.
WIAA cites state law as barrier
In a statement to OutKick, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) explained that, under current Washington law, it cannot adopt a new rule that would keep biologically male students out of girls’ sports, even if a majority of its members voted for such a change. The association said any policy that conflicts with state law would be “in violation of Washington state law” and therefore unenforceable.
The WIAA noted that three amendment proposals have been submitted over the past two years to alter its gender‑identity participation policies, but none reached the 60 % threshold required for passage. Even if they had, the association maintains that the proposals would have conflicted with state law.
Initiative 638 heads to the ballot
Washington voters will decide next month whether to change the law. Initiative 638, which appears on the Nov. 3 ballot, would prohibit biologically male students from competing in certain female‑only school sports and would require a healthcare provider’s verification of biological sex.
Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson, who opposes the measure, warned that I‑638 would force girls into “invasive sex verification exams” to play sports. The opposition campaign, No Hate in WA State, echoed that concern in a September 29 statement.
State legislators, who hold Democratic majorities in both chambers and control the governor’s office, have taken no action on the initiative during the 2026 session, leaving the decision to voters. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and House Speaker Laurie Jinkins both said they would not hold hearings on the sports measure or a related parental‑rights proposal.
Legal backdrop
Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld other states’ laws restricting transgender athletes. Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) said those rulings do not alter Washington law, which continues to allow students to compete consistent with the gender with which they identify.
Superintendent Chris Reykdal said the Supreme Court decision reinforces Washington’s ability to enforce its own laws in line with state values.
What the measure would require
If passed, Initiative 638 would require students to provide a signed statement from a personal healthcare provider confirming biological sex through reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or naturally produced testosterone levels. Supporters, led by Let’s Go Washington, argue the measure protects fair competition for girls and would not mandate genital examinations, noting verification could be incorporated into existing sports‑physical processes.
Opponents contend the verification requirement creates new medical and privacy burdens for girls seeking to play school sports and would exclude transgender girls from competition.
Local impact
The Camas protest highlights the tension families face when state policy and school‑level decisions collide. Parents and students in the district are watching the ballot measure closely, as its outcome could reshape eligibility rules for future seasons.
For now, the WIAA remains bound by existing state law and will continue to follow the policies that have been in place since the 2007‑08 school year.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
