Washington Initiative Campaigns Clash Over Parental Rights, Student Safety

Supporters and opponents of two proposed Washington state ballot initiatives are sharply divided after organizers submitted hundreds of thousands of signatures to the Secretary of State, setting the stage for a major legislative and political fight in 2026.

The initiatives, sponsored by political group Let’s Go Washington and backed financially by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, address parental rights in public schools and participation rules for transgender students in girls’ sports. Supporters say the measures strengthen parent–school communication and protect fairness in athletics, while opponents argue they would weaken student protections and disproportionately harm LGBTQ+ youth.

Let’s Go Washington announced last week that it submitted more than 800,000 signatures across the two initiatives—well above the number required for legislative consideration. Organizers described the signature drive as an effort involving volunteers from across Washington.

“From Spokane to Vancouver, hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians signed their names to say that enough is enough,” the group said in a statement, thanking supporters and volunteers. If the signatures are verified, the initiatives will be sent to the Legislature, which can choose to enact them, reject them, or put them on the ballot for voters statewide.

Parental Rights and School Communication

One proposal, Initiative IL 26-001, focuses on parental notification and access to information in public schools. According to its ballot summary, the measure would re-enact RCW 28A.605.005 as it was originally adopted through Initiative to the Legislature 2081 in 2023.

Supporters say the initiative would restore and clarify certain parental and guardian rights, including the ability to review instructional materials and student records, receive specific notifications from schools, and opt children out of certain activities. The measure would also repeal later legislative amendments that changed school obligations and access to some student records.

Backers argue the initiative is a response to recent legislative actions they say reduced parental involvement in decisions affecting students’ health and wellbeing. Let’s Go Washington has criticized lawmakers for what it describes as limiting parents’ rights to be informed about their children’s health care decisions at school, arguing that families—not government agencies—should have primary authority over those decisions.

“We don’t co-parent with the government,” the group said in materials supporting the initiative, contending that parents are best positioned to care for and advocate for their children.

Opponents of IL 26-001, however, say the proposal could have serious unintended consequences. Washington Families for Freedom, a coalition of education, civil rights, and child-advocacy organizations, argues that rolling back portions of the state’s 2023 Safety Act could force schools to disclose sensitive information—such as a student’s gender identity or reports of abuse—to parents who may be unsupportive or unsafe.

“Not all kids are safe at home,” said Sophia Lee, a board member of Gender Justice League. “Schools are often a lifeline for students who need help, and these initiatives could put vulnerable young people at risk.”

Critics also warn the measure could discourage students from seeking mental health support or reporting abuse if they fear information will automatically be shared with parents.

Transgender Athletes and School Sports

The second proposal, Initiative IL 26-638, would repeal Washington’s policy allowing students who identify as transgender to participate in school sports consistent with their gender identity, a policy that has been in place since 2007 through the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

Supporters of the initiative say it is necessary to preserve fairness and competitive equity in girls’ sports. They argue current policies disadvantage female athletes and that statewide standards are needed.

Opponents counter that the initiative would exclude students who identify as transgender girls from school sports and could subject students to invasive scrutiny. Some critics warn the proposal could lead to disputes over students’ bodies or eligibility, creating an environment of increased harassment.

“These initiatives are a distraction from true safety,” said Amarinthia Torres, co-executive director of the Coalition for Ending Gender-Based Violence, who argues the proposals would make students less likely to participate in school activities or seek help when they need it.

What Comes Next

State records show Heywood has spent millions of dollars supporting initiative campaigns and must submit at least 308,911 valid signatures per measure. Election officials note that campaigns typically submit significantly more to account for invalid signatures during verification.

The Secretary of State’s office will now review the submitted signatures. If they qualify, the initiatives will go before lawmakers during the next legislative session. If the Legislature declines to act, the proposals could appear on the statewide ballot in the 2026 general election.

With both sides organizing supporters and preparing for the next phase, the debate over parental rights, student privacy, and transgender inclusion in Washington’s public schools is expected to remain one of the most contentious policy issues in the state this year.

[This article was written with the help of AI. See our polices on the use of AI as a supportive tool.]