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Parents raise concerns about girls’ sports participation; mayor asks staff to investigate
Summary
During public comment, residents raised concerns about a possible participation issue at a March 29 track meet involving West Valley High School; the mayor said the city manager will pass the comments to staff for review.
Several Spokane Valley residents addressed the council during general public comment to raise and dispute concerns about participation in girls’ high school sports.
Paul Swift, who identified himself as the parent of a West Valley High School athlete, said he was concerned by an incident at a March 29 track meet and referenced federal legislation ("HR 28 Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025") as part of his concerns. Swift asked what the city could do and requested staff follow up. Mayor Pam Haley said she received Swift’s written submission and had asked the city manager to forward it to staff so they could look into the matter.
Other members of the public spoke in opposition to singling out transgender students. Michelle Kelso, who said she is the parent of a transgender child, described the topic as an expression of "bigotry" and urged the council not to make the debate about high school athletics a priority over other community concerns. Joseph Godsey and other speakers offered views on whether government should regulate participation in school sports and suggested private alternatives.
Mayor Haley and staff did not announce any immediate ordinance or enforcement action; Haley said staff would review Swift’s submission and follow up with him. The council did not take formal action on the public‑comment item during the meeting.
