Washington School District Superintendent: No Consequences for Girls Who Protested Transgender Runner

Camas School District superintendent John Anzalone has stated that no consequences will be issued for the Camas High School girls cross country team members who walked off the starting line during a recent race to protest the inclusion of a biological male athlete on their team. The incident occurred during a meet against Battle Ground, another Washington state school.

The controversy stems from a Camas sophomore who switched to the girls' team midseason after previously competing in boys' races. This athlete has since achieved success in varsity meets, winning one and placing second in two others. The situation has drawn national attention, with both teammates and opponents voicing their concerns.

Anzalone expressed empathy for the students involved, describing the situation as heartbreaking from a parental perspective. "It's always hard to see when students are upset, let alone our families. And I know this issue has polarized our country for a long time, and this has probably added to that," Anzalone said. "And so, as a dad, it's always hard to see your own kids or any kids in the middle of something like this. And that's probably been the most heartbreaking for me, is to see certain students really kind of in the middle of this, right? They're kids. So that's been challenging, and that's always gonna be hard."

Parents of Camas runners have also made their disapproval clear at recent meets. Despite the potential for backlash, Anzalone emphasized that the girls who protested by walking off the line would not face any repercussions. "The girls are entitled to handle this however is best for them, and I was at the meet and it was peacefully done. And of course, we'll support whatever they want to do," Anzalone stated. "I felt that this wasn't just about supporting and protecting (the male runner). This was really about supporting and providing that space for the girls who did walk off to do so and not feel any repercussions. And of course, some of them looked very sad. I think some of them were very conflicted. But they're also teenagers. They're still children."

The upcoming Greater St. Helen's League district meet on October 21 will feature only seven varsity runners per team, making it highly probable that the male runner will occupy a spot that would otherwise go to a female teammate. Anzalone confirmed that the district will not take action to prevent this scenario.

"As long as WIAA policy allows (the biological male) to run, and she's eligible to run, she'll continue running. Nothing's changed," Anzalone said. "We don't make political stances as a school district. We just won't, and we can't. And so, as long as the policy stands, we're going to follow the policy."

The male runner's midseason team switch complied with current Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy, which permits students to compete in athletics consistent with their gender identity. However, Washington state voters will consider Initiative 638 on the November 3 ballot. This initiative would mandate that students in K-12 sports compete based on their biological sex. If passed, the initiative would take effect 30 days after the election, potentially preventing similar situations in future seasons, though it would not impact the current cross country season which would likely conclude by then.

The Camas School District released a statement affirming their adherence to state law and WIAA rules. The statement read in part, "Camas School District recognizes that students and community members hold differing views about athletic eligibility and have the right to express those views peacefully. Our responsibility is to ensure that school-sponsored events remain safe and respectful for all participants, staff, and spectators.

As a Washington public school district and member of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), Camas follows applicable state law and WIAA eligibility rules. RCW 28A.642 prohibits discrimination in public schools based on gender identity and gender expression, and current WIAA rules permit students to participate in athletics consistent with their gender identity. The district does not set these eligibility standards independently.

We will continue to prioritize student safety, privacy, and well-being. We do not discuss individual students' eligibility, personal circumstances, or potential disciplinary matters."