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Deer Park ISD hears public push to back WIAA eligibility changes; staff warns of OSPI legal risks
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the Deer Park School Board to adopt a resolution opposing WIAA rules that allow students to compete consistent with their gender identity; district staff outlined WIAA amendment options and warned that OSPI has cautioned districts against actions that could limit student access under state nondiscrimination rules.
Public commenters urged the Deer Park School Board on Monday to back changes to Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rules on transgender participation in girls' sports and to join other districts pressing amendments.
"Please put in writing a resolution to stand against the WIAA rules that allow students to play for the team, 'that is consistent with their gender identity,' and unify with other Washington State Schools that are seeking to amend the WIAA rules," public commenter Megan Ware told the board. Students and parents echoed concerns about competitive fairness and urged the district to take a proactive stance.
Superintendent and district staff briefed the board on two WIAA amendment approaches circulating among Washington districts: a Linden-district proposal that would identify girls' divisions and create an appeal process for eligibility determinations, and an Eastmont-district proposal that would add an 'open' division as a third classification. Staff described WIAA's amendment process as a multi-step review (legal review, WIAA executive board review, league voting and then statewide consideration) and said each member district gets a single vote through that larger process.
Staff also warned of state-level constraints. The superintendent said OSPI had sent guidance to districts, "cautioning the district from any action that may be seen as implementing, enforcing, or otherwise giving effect to this resolution or that otherwise limits the student's access and opportunities to participate in athletic activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity, as that may be in violation with state nondiscrimination law rules and guidelines. Should the district take any action, OSPI may take steps to impose sanctions or appropriate corrective action as outlined in the RCWs and WACs." The district emphasized the difference between a local board resolution (a statement of position) and formal changes to WIAA rules or state law.
Board members and members of the public discussed alternatives to a local resolution, including sending a formal letter to WIAA or WASDA, coordinating petitions or signature drives outside school property, and pursuing legislative change in Olympia. Staff advised the board to consult legal counsel about using district property for petitioning and to be clear about goals and potential legal exposure before taking formal action.
Next steps: the superintendent said she would provide copies of the proposals and related materials to the board and recommended adding the discussion to a future workshop so trustees could review language and legal implications before any formal vote or public statement. The board did not adopt a resolution at the meeting.
