Despite overwhelming opposition from community members, the Tumwater School Board recently passed Resolution 092425, which directs staff to approve Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy amendments 7 and 8, which limit participation in girls' sports to those whose assigned sex at birth was female and provide for girls', boys', and open divisions, respectively.

"I am firmly opposed to this resolution because of the message it sends to our Transgender students here in the Tumwater School District," Melissa Beard, board president, said during the February 27 meeting. "Since 2016, I've advocated for students, staff, and families here in Tumwater School District and to have a space [for people] to be their authentic selves, and to live the life that they were meant to live."

Board member Jill Adams said she thinks many in the room do not agree with Trump's executive orders that prohibit Trans youth from participating on sports teams that align with their gender identities, but that almost every president has signed executive orders.

"As school board members, we're caught between a rock and a hard place. We have an oath that we must follow the Constitution," said Adams, who abstained from voting on the resolution, which came after two Tumwater High School basketball players sat out the last game of their season on February 6 against Shelton High School because one of its team members is Transgender, according to the Olympian.

Frances Staudt, one of the two, was interviewed by political commentator and internet personality Brandi Kruse, which then spread online. Staudt's mother told Kruse that her daughter was being discriminated against by being forced to play against a "boy," and cited Trump's executive order that restricts Trans girls from participating in girls' sports.

DOE's Office of Civil Rights opens investigation
The US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights' Seattle branch opened an investigation into the Tumwater School District the following day, stating that it received a complaint on February 17.

"The complaint alleges that the District discriminated against a female basketball player (Student) on the basis of sex when it deprived her of a fair athletic opportunity by allowing a male player on an opposing basketball team to compete against the Student's team in February 2025, which forced the Student to withdraw from participation in the game," investigation documents stated.

The documents add that the student who sat out is authorized to participate under WIAA rules that allow athletes to play on the team that aligns with their gender identity. They also mention how the school district is a recipient of federal funding from the DOE, and that discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity operated by a recipient of such assistance is prohibited.

"As a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Department of Education, the District must comply with this law," the documents state. They also allege that the school district is in violation of Title IX by allowing "male" athletes to compete in girls' sports.

State law and what comes next
Lisa Keating, executive director of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, announced in December that it condemns the actions of school boards and city governments passing "discriminatory and anti-2SLGBTQIA+ resolutions or measures." She said attempts by school boards to restrict the participation of a small number of students does not supersede state law.

"For young 2SLGBTQIA+ athletes, you are protected through WAC 392-190-025, which prevents denial or exclusion from recreational and athletic activities. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association encourages participation from all students regardless of gender identity or expression and protects the rights of transgender students to play on the sports teams they choose," Keating said.

The WIAA has a membership-led, year-round amendment process, and an amendment needs 60% approval by the Representative Assembly to pass. However, if a passed amendment violates state law, it will not be implemented.

Laurie Wiedenmeyer, director of communications and community relations at the Tumwater School District, told the SGN that proposed amendments 7 and 8 will be voted on later this spring, and that this resolution does not alter current athletic policies.

"The resolution is an expression of support for the WIAA's proposed amendments, and we will await the outcome of the WIAA's voting process before evaluating any necessary adjustments to our district's approach to athletics," Wiedenmeyer said.

Wiedenmeyer added that the district understands how any changes to federal or state laws may impact the final decision on the amendments, and that it will keep up-to-date on potential impacts. She noted that the district is committed to creating an inclusive and positive environment where all students feel valued and respected.

"As this process unfolds, we will continue to listen to our community, uphold our commitment to equity, and ensure that our policies align with state and federal guidelines while reflecting our core values of fairness, inclusion, and student well-being," Wiedenmeyer said.