WA Girls REFUSE to Race Against Transgender Athlete — Protest Grows

A major girls' sports rally is planned in Camas, Washington, after female high school cross-country athletes refused to compete in a race involving a transgender girl. The Camas High School controversy is drawing attention from Washington lawmakers, student athletes and national media as the debate over transgender participation in girls' school sports intensifies. The Camas Courage Rally comes after approximately a dozen female athletes from Camas and nearby schools reportedly declined to participate in a cross-country competition, citing concerns about fairness in girls' athletics. The controversy is unfolding as Washington voters prepare to decide a statewide girls' sports ballot measure in the November 3 election. CAMAS GIRLS REFUSE TO RACE AGAINST TRANSGENDER ATHLETE The controversy began after a Camas High School student who previously competed on the boys' cross-country team began competing in the girls' category. Several female runners refused to participate in a subsequent race, objecting to competing against a transgender athlete. Their decision sparked a wider discussion about competitive fairness, transgender student participation, school athletic eligibility and the rights of female athletes. The protest has attracted attention across Washington state, including from elected officials, student athletes and organizations involved in the ongoing debate over girls' sports. FRANCES STOTZ CRITICIZES CHRIS REYKDAL OVER GIRLS' SPORTS Tumwater High School student athlete Frances Stotz, who previously refused to participate in a basketball game involving a transgender opponent, is speaking out in support of the Camas cross-country athletes. In an interview with The Center Square, Stotz discusses her own experience challenging transgender athlete participation policies and encourages the Camas girls to remain confident in their decision. Stotz also sharply criticizes Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal over his response to the Camas controversy. Reykdal has emphasized support for transgender student athletes while acknowledging students' ability to make their own decisions about participating in competitions. Stotz argues that Washington education officials are not doing enough to protect fairness and opportunities for female athletes. She connects the controversy to Title IX, women's athletics, competitive opportunities and the broader debate over biological sex and gender identity in school sports. CAMAS SCHOOL DISTRICT EXPLAINS WIAA TRANSGENDER ATHLETE POLICY Camas School District Superintendent Dr. John Anzalone explains that the district follows eligibility rules established by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). Anzalone says local school officials do not independently determine athlete eligibility and must follow the athletic association's policies. The controversy has raised questions about transgender student athletes, girls' cross-country competitions, school district authority, WIAA eligibility requirements and how Washington schools balance inclusion with concerns about competitive fairness. CAMAS COURAGE RALLY DRAWS WASHINGTON LAWMAKERS The Camas Courage Support Our Girls Rally is scheduled for October 21, 2026, in Camas, Washington. Organizers expect female athletes to speak publicly about their experiences, with Frances Stotz also planning to address the crowd. Washington lawmakers expected to attend include Senator John Braun, Senator Paul Harris, Representative David Stuebe and Representative John Ley. The event is also expected to draw national media attention as the Camas girls' sports controversy becomes part of a wider discussion about transgender athletes competing in female sports categories. WASHINGTON GIRLS' SPORTS BALLOT MEASURE AND NOVEMBER ELECTION The Camas controversy comes ahead of Washington's November 3 election, when voters are scheduled to consider a ballot measure restricting transgender participation in girls' school sports. Supporters argue the proposal would protect fairness and competitive opportunities for female athletes. Opponents raise concerns about excluding transgender students from school athletics. The debate involves Washington education policy, Title IX, student athlete eligibility, parental concerns, transgender rights, girls' sports and the authority of state athletic organizations. 📱 Get Washington government and policy news by text. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 for important Washington updates about twice a week. #CamasHighSchool #WashingtonNews #GirlsSports #TransgenderAthletes #TheCenterSquare