Should Trans Students Compete in Girls’ Sports? Washington State Agency Debates Controversial Ban

Washington is considering new rules about how transgender youth can compete in sports. This comes as many states start to implement similar restrictions.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which oversees school sports, recently outlined two key changes. One would stop transgender students from competing on girls’ teams, while the other would establish a co-ed division for transgender athletes.

Currently, WIAA allows transgender athletes to join sports that match their gender identity. This inclusive policy was innovative when it was introduced in 2007 and was the first of its kind in the U.S.

As of now, more than half of U.S. states have some laws or rules limiting transgender participation in sports, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a research organization focused on LGBTQ+ rights.

David VanderYacht, the superintendent of the Lynden School District, supports this proposal. He believes it maintains fair competition and helps protect the spirit of girls’ sports, while still making athletics available to everyone. VanderYacht emphasized the importance of community in sports, stating that they provide a valuable environment for student athletes.

The proposals were inspired by actions taken in Alaska, where officials mandated that sports divisions be created for students assigned female at birth.

VanderYacht expressed concerns about fairness in the current system for both female and transgender athletes. He recounted an experience watching a transgender girl win a state track title, noting the mixed reactions from the audience. He mentioned feeling saddened when the crowd hardly acknowledged her victory, highlighting the need for support for all student athletes.

Not everyone agrees with the proposed changes. Critics feel the amendments could be discriminatory and may clash with state laws. La Rond Baker, from the ACLU of Washington, criticized the proposals, urging the WIAA to stick with the current policy that has worked for over a decade. Baker stressed that the existing rules align with anti-discrimination laws and promote the rights of transgender students to compete in accordance with their gender identity.

Despite attempts by some school administrators to pause or stop the proposed changes during a recent WIAA assembly, those efforts failed. A vote on the proposals is scheduled for April. If they garner enough support, they could take effect later this year in August.