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Othello school board discusses regional gender‑inclusive sports policies; no vote taken
Summary
The Othello School District Board discussed a recent Moses Lake School District action on gender‑inclusive sports, heard concerns about athlete safety and fairness, and asked the superintendent to research implications and gather community input; no motion or vote was taken.
The Othello School District Board of Directors discussed regional policy on gender‑inclusive sports Monday, responding to a recent action by the Moses Lake School District and asking the superintendent to research implications and seek public comment. No formal motion or vote was taken.
The item was added to allow the board to “discuss the recent action taken in the Moses Lake School District” and to inform the public about regional conversations, Superintendent Perez said. "That item was added, to provide an opportunity for the board to discuss the recent action taken in the Moses Lake School District," Perez said, noting media coverage had prompted local interest.
Board members expressed differing views but a shared desire to hear from constituents. Several directors said they favor keeping male and female sports separate on fairness and safety grounds; others emphasized the need for community input and caution because of potential consequences from state education officials. One board member recounted a nationally reported volleyball injury and said safety concerns motivated support for separate competition, while another board member urged outreach to residents before adopting any policy.
Directors repeatedly referenced Moses Lake’s recent board action. The board noted that Moses Lake held its meeting last Thursday and that media reports and statements from the state superintendent have intensified local discussion. "So school districts have been put in a tough spot here with the federal government saying, ‘hey, you better do this,’ and the state government is saying, ‘hey, you better not do that,'" Director Gerber said, urging the community to weigh in.
The board requested that Superintendent Perez look into the issue and relay information back to the board; Perez said staff had already begun reviewing the matter after hearing about Moses Lake’s resolution. Board members asked the public to submit comments, with one director saying, "There’s five of us. Please let us hear you. Let us make us understand what would be the best thing for us to do."
No formal policy, motion, or vote was recorded on the gender‑inclusive sports issue during the meeting. The board did not set a specific date for further action; members said they would continue to monitor state and federal guidance and gather community feedback before considering any formal policy change.
