Rally Planned to Support Washington Girls Who Refused to Race Against Transgender Teammate

A rally titled "Camas Courage" is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. at 2600 NW Lake Road in Camas, Washington, to support Camas High School runners who walked out of a cross country race over the participation of a transgender athlete.

Organizer Amy Sousa stated that the event aims to transfer the pressure from the students to adults who are stepping up to advocate for policy changes. "You should not have to become student-activists. Adults are now taking the reins and adults are standing up," Sousa told OutKick.

The rally follows an Oct. 13 incident where approximately a dozen Camas High School girls declined to compete against a transgender athlete who had begun the season racing in the boys' division.

Sousa, who attended and filmed the protest, expressed a desire for the rally to demonstrate adult support for the runners and to push for revisions to eligibility rules. Expected attendees include Republican state Sen. John Braun, representatives from Women's Declaration International USA and Women's Liberation Front, as well as parents and students.

Sousa challenged school officials' assertions that they are adhering to existing rules. "You do not have to wait for a permission slip to have courage. Real leadership is standing up and doing the right thing when it’s uncomfortable," she said.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has indicated that its gender-identity participation policy aligns with state law and that it cannot implement restrictions that would conflict with that legislation.

Organizers also hope to garner support for Initiative 638, a measure Washington voters will consider on Nov. 3. This initiative proposes to bar biologically male students from competing in certain female-only school sports and would require verification of biological sex by a healthcare provider. Supporters argue it will preserve fair competition for girls, while opponents contend it could exclude transgender girls and create new medical and privacy obligations for female athletes.

Sousa mentioned that authorities were being notified about the rally, which was planned to occur before the race to minimize disruption to the students' competition. She also conveyed openness to discussions with individuals holding opposing viewpoints.

"It’s not the fault of this boy that this has been allowed to happen," Sousa stated. "We need to do better for our daughters."