Opinion: Checking on area school district’s policies on biological males participating in female sports

Dick Rylander gathers Clark County school district responses on male athletes in female sports.

Area resident Dick Rylander asks Clark County school districts to confirm their policies on the controversial issue

Dick Rylander
for Clark County Today

Many people are interested in knowing what their school district’s policy is regarding biological males, who self identify as female, and want to compete against females. I reached out to the school districts in Southwest Washington state to find out. I make no judgment. I merely offer their responses.

If you want more details please contact your district’s superintendent and/or school board members and pose your questions and share your thoughts.

Question posed: Has the district/school board publicly taken a stance regarding biological males participating in female sports?

If so what it is and where is it located on the website?

If not why not?

Appreciate your response. (emailed each on March 6, 2025)

Here are the responses:

Battle Ground School District

“We are following the state law which we took an oath to uphold. We are also monitoring the interaction between our state and the Department of Education. This is a passionate matter for all of us. I am confident that the legal dust will settle and bring clarity to states like ours. Until then, please continue to offer us your grace and patience as we seek legal clarity on this important matter.’’

Camas School District

“As we are governed and funded by the State of Washington, and our Board policies align with state law, it is unlikely that we would deviate from the current state law or WIAA policy, which permits transgender and nonbinary students to participate in sports that align with their gender identity.

“We are closely monitoring developments in D.C., responses from the governor’s office and OSPI, and any potential policy changes from WSSDA. Should any changes impact district policy, we will communicate them accordingly. As superintendent, my role is to uphold and enforce existing laws and policies, rather than take a political stance. Any statements or commitments from my office will simply reaffirm our alignment with the laws and policies governing the Camas School District.’’

La Center School District

I spoke with Superintendent Peter Rosenkranz by phone. He shared efforts to work with (negotiate) with OSPI on several topics. Those have resulted in nothing. The district appears to be headed down legal paths.

Vancouver School District

“Vancouver Public Schools, along with the leagues our schools compete in, are members of the WIAA and adhere to its policies and procedures. (Followup ‘With all due respect you did not answer the question. Please do me the courtesy of making the district’s position clear. If there is a specific RCW or WAC or P&P cite such.’) I apologize, given your interest and editorials in public schools, I assumed you knew how to access and search our policies and procedures. The specific policy for working with WIAA is HERE. If you’re interested in WIAA’s policy and procedures or information from the state a google search reveals that pretty quickly as well.’’

Woodland School District

“You can view Woodland’s athletics page and district policy pages on our website at the links below.’’

https://www.woodlandschools.org/page/48

https://www.woodlandschools.org/page/14

Washougal School District

“The Washougal School District follows state law, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy, and our own board policies regarding student participation in athletics. Under current WIAA policy, transgender and nonbinary students are permitted to participate in sports that align with their gender identity, and as a public school district, we follow state law and WIAA regulations.

“The Washougal SD policies that are relevant include the following:

Board Policy 2151 – Interscholastic Activities
Board Policy 3211 – Gender Inclusive Schools

“The Washougal School Board has not taken a separate public stance beyond ensuring compliance with existing laws and policies. We continue to monitor any developments at the state and federal levels, and if changes occur that impact district policy, we will communicate them accordingly.’’

Hockinson School District

“The HSD School Board has not taken a public stance on this topic beyond policy adoption. I would say this is normal operating procedure for our Board. It complies with state law and that compliance is reflected in policy, not in position statements. Our district-sponsored sports are designated by sex – hockinsonhawks.com – but as a Washington public school and member of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), we follow state law and WIAA policy.’’

Evergreen School District

“Here, at Evergreen Public Schools, we follow the state laws around transgender student athletes. Our policies are located on our website at  https://evergreenps.diligent.community/portal/

Click here for the policy.

Click here for the procedure. ‘’

Ridgefield School District

“Thank you for your question. We do not have a specific policy on this issue. We do follow the adopted WIAA guidelines, as required, as well as state law and OSPI guidance regarding non-discrimination. There are a couple of different amendments currently being considered by WIAA. Voting on these is scheduled for next month. You can read more about it here: https://www.wiaa.com/proposed-amendments-2025/#:~:text=The%20WIAA%20Representative%20Assembly%20will,LANGUAGE%20FOR%20EACH%20PROPOSED%20AMENDMENT

Here are some recent reports of districts refusing to follow Washington state requirement to allow males in female sports:

Reykdal threatens School Board for voting to comply with Title IX

MLSD BoD Letter – Transgender Athletes | | kxly.com

‘A constitutional crisis’: Can Washington schools lose federal funding if they don’t comply with executive orders | News | kxly.com

Washington Parents Network files Title IX complaint against Reykdal, Ferguson

Parents react to WA’s support for trans-athletes in schools

Tumwater School District bans trans athletes from girls’ teams – KIRO 7 News Seattle

WIAA proposes new league for transgender high school athletes – KIRO 7 News Seattle

WIAA Trans Sports proposed amendments: WIAA Representative Assembly Finalizes 16 Proposed Amendments for Vote in April | Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WA)