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Kennewick council discusses regional letter on girls' sports; no formal vote recorded
Summary
Near the end of the April 22 joint workshop, Kennewick council members debated a draft regional letter asking state legislators to act to restrict participation of biological males in girls’ sports. Council members were divided; the transcript records substantial debate but no formal recorded vote or final signed-action in the meeting minutes.
At the close of the April 22, 2025 joint workshop, Kennewick Mayor Grama Crawford told council members she had asked City Manager Erin Erdman to distribute a draft regional letter concerning protection and preservation of girls’ sports. The draft had been circulated regionally and, according to the materials read into the record, had originated with Benton County and been shared with nearby jurisdictions.
The letter urged state legislators to protect competitive integrity in girls’ and women’s sports and referenced Title IX, a March 25, 2025 World Athletics policy change and a February 6, 2025 update to NCAA participation rules. The draft states, in part, that “biological males should not be competing against biological females in sports,” and asks the regional delegation to consider statutory change in Olympia.
Council discussion and outcome
Council members split in their views during the workshop. Council member Brad Beecham said simply, “Sign it, send it,” and Council member Jason McShane said he concurred. Council member John Trumbo said he had no problem signing it himself. By contrast, Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Turelli told colleagues he opposed signing the draft on the city’s behalf and said individual council members who wished to sign should do so independently.
Council member Jim Milbauer also spoke against signing the letter on behalf of the city, saying the matter lies within school districts, state athletic associations and the state legislature. Several council members who supported sending the letter said they were motivated by a desire to protect youth sports and local youth programming (parks and recreation, school athletics and convention-center events) from possible disruption.
The transcript records the discussion and several direct quotations but does not record a formal motion, roll-call vote or a clear final action authorizing the mayor to sign and submit the letter on behalf of the City of Kennewick. The meeting record shows that the issue was aired and that council members expressed positions for and against municipal endorsement; it does not show an adopted city position recorded in that session.
