Debate Over Girls’ Sports Participation Takes Center Stage at March 14 Forum

A Community Conversation on Title IX

A public forum in Lynnwood on March 14 will examine one of the most debated education issues in Washington state: whether students who are biologically male, but identify as female, should be allowed to compete in girls’ sports.

Hosted by Title IX Edmonds, the event is titled “Should Boys Be Allowed to Compete in Girls’ Sports?” Organizers say the discussion will focus on fairness in athletics and the future of protections under Title IX, the 1972 federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in public education. Nationally, Title IX was revised during the Biden Administration to include protections for boys who identify as girls. Organizers argue that current policies allowing transgender girls to compete in girls’ sports undermine the original intent of Title IX and create competitive and privacy concerns for female athletes.

The panel begins at 7 p.m. and includes psychologist Amy Sousa, teen athlete Frances Staudt, school board director Khush Brar, and journalist Alesha Perkins. The discussion will be moderated by Title IX Edmonds founder Jess Grant. The event was originally scheduled in Edmonds but will now take place in Lynnwood.

State Law and Established Policy

Washington state law has prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender identity since 2006. Since 2007, students have been permitted to participate in school athletics in alignment with their gender identity under state guidance and Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) policy.

In an April 30, 2025 statement, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said, "Washington public schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students, including transgender and gender-expansive students." He further stated that these protections fit within federal law and have been successfully implemented in Washington for nearly two decades.

Civil liberties groups have defended the current framework. In an April 8 statement, ACLU-WA Legal Director La Rond Baker said, "The WIAA made the correct decision to affirm state anti-discrimination laws and its policy that ensures transgender athletes continue participating in sports that match their gender identity and expression... Attempts to restrict transgender girls from participating in sports conflict with the law and our core values as a state that prohibits discrimination.”

Ballot Initiative and Federal Scrutiny

The Lynnwood forum comes as a proposed Washington ballot initiative IL26-638 Protecting Fairness in Girls' Sports backed by Let’s Go Washington seeks to require that participation in girls’ sports be limited to students who are biologically female. Supporters say the measure would restore clear competitive boundaries and protect opportunities for girls. Organizers report the initiative gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures to qualify for consideration.

Public attention has also intensified following a recent federal development. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education announced it had opened an investigation into the Puyallup School District following an incident involving a high school wrestling match between a male and female student. The investigation remains ongoing, and federal officials have not issued findings.

Supporters of proposed changes to state policy argue the case reflects broader concerns about increasing injuries in girls’ athletics when trans-identifying male athletes compete in female divisions across various sports and age levels.

As similar debates unfold nationally, including differing eligibility rules in international competitions like the recent Winter Olympics, questions about fairness, safety, and inclusion continue to generate strong opinions on all sides.

Local Impact for Highline Voters

Highline Public Schools, like districts across Washington, operate under state anti-discrimination law and Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association policy, which allows students to participate in athletics consistent with their gender identity. If the proposed initiative qualifies for the ballot this fall, voters in Highline and statewide would decide whether to change that framework.

The March 14 forum is open to the public, including residents from Highline and surrounding communities who wish to engage in the discussion. Organizers say their goal is to provide an opportunity for dialogue as the issue continues to shape school policy and public debate.

Event details and registration information are available through Title IX Edmonds.