State education chief defends trans athletes, claiming it’s ‘inaccurate’ to say there’s only 2 genders

Defence of Transgender Athletes in Girls’ Sports: A Conversation on Inclusion and Science

In a recent address, Washington state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal came to the defence of transgender athletes participating in girls’ sports. Reykdal emphasized that it is scientifically inaccurate to assert that there are only two genders. He pointed out that gender exists on a continuum, highlighting the existence of intersex individuals and those whose chromosomes and hormones do not align with their biological sex at birth. Reykdal stressed that this is not a matter of debate, but rather a civil rights issue, underscoring Washington state’s laws that allow students to participate in sports based on their identified gender. "Our state laws make clear that children get to identify and participate based on the gender in which they identify," Reykdal said, adding that the state will uphold this law.

The Political and Legislative Landscape: A Clash of Views

Reykdal also criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order prohibiting schools from allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports, calling it an overreach of presidential authority. He noted that while Congress has the power to change such policies, Trump’s order was not legally binding. Reykdal pointed to the low number of transgender athletes in Washington state—a mere five to ten out of nearly 250,000 student athletes—as evidence that the issue is not as widespread as it is often portrayed. "If we can’t accommodate the needs of five or ten people… then who are we?" Reykdal asked, calling for inclusivity and respect for all students. At the federal level, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would restrict transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports, has passed in the House of Representatives but has yet to be voted on in the Senate. Reykdal made it clear that until the law changes, Washington state will continue to follow its current civil rights framework.

State Policies and Proposals: Balancing Fairness and Inclusion

Washington state currently allows high school athletes to compete based on their gender identity, thanks to policies set by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). The WIAA’s guidelines state that athletes can participate in programs "consistent with their gender identity or the gender most consistently expressed," without requiring medical or legal documentation. However, the issue has sparked debate, leading the WIAA to propose the creation of a separate "open division" for transgender athletes. This proposal, announced in December, aims to "maintain fair and equitable competition" while ensuring a "safe and supportive environment" for all student-athletes. The proposal came after the Central Valley School Board in Spokane Valley passed a resolution calling for changes to the WIAA’s policies, arguing that allowing transgender girls to compete in girls’ sports could create an uneven playing field.

Personal Stories and Real-World Implications

The debate over transgender athletes in girls’ sports has also been driven by personal experiences and anecdotes. For example, a cross-country runner in Washington state shared her concerns about competing against a teammate who was biologically male but identified as female. "When I ran cross-country for Greenacres Middle School, a boy who was biologically male but identified as female competed on the girls team," she said. "I respect everyone’s right to participate in sports, but the situation made me question the fairness of competing with someone who had the physical advantage associated with male biology." In another instance, a transgender athlete won a girls’ cross-country championship, finishing well ahead of the second-place runner. This incident highlighted the tension between inclusion and competitive fairness.

The Role of Civil Rights and Title IX Investigations

The issue has also gained attention at the federal level, with President Trump’s Department of Education launching Title IX investigations into high school athletic conferences in California, Minnesota, and Maine for their refusal to comply with his executive order on transgender athletes. In Washington state, a civil rights complaint was recently filed on behalf of a teenage girl who claimed she was punished for refusing to play in a basketball game against a transgender opponent. The complaint alleges that the Tumwater School District is investigating the girl, Frances Staudt, for "misgendering" the transgender athlete and violating policies against bullying and harassment. Staudt had reportedly asked her school’s principal and athletic director whether the player was biologically male, but her concerns were dismissed, leading her to remove herself from the game.

Conclusion: The Broader Debate Over Fairness, Inclusion, and Identity

The debate over transgender athletes in girls’ sports reflects broader societal tensions around gender identity, civil rights, and competitive fairness. While some argue that allowing transgender girls to compete in girls’ sports creates an uneven playing field, others emphasize the importance of inclusion and respect for individuals’ gender identities. Reykdal’s defense of transgender athletes underscores the complexities of this issue, which is likely to continue unfolding in the courts, legislatures, and school districts across the United States. For now, Washington state remains committed to upholding its civil rights laws and ensuring that all students, regardless of gender identity, have the opportunity to participate in sports. The real question is whether inclusive policies and competitive fairness can coexist—or if one must come at the expense of the other.