KENNEWICK, Wash.–The Kennewick School District board of directors filed a federal complaint regarding state-mandated policies allowing biological men to compete in girls’ sports and use women’s locker rooms.
The complaint, sent to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, notes state policies violate federal laws and takes away opportunities for women to play in a fair playing field, according to a news release.
“This is not equality—it’s erasure,” said School Board Vice President Micah Valentine. “Girls are losing titles, scholarships, and opportunities because state officials refuse to follow federal Title IX.”
The complaint raises concerns over a statewide gender-inclusive guidance schools are required to follow, which does blocks notifications to parents about a student’s gender identity, according to the release.
The board is asking the U.S. Department of Education to confirm the district’s adherence to Title IX will not result in a federal funding loss and investigate discretionary practice from OSPI and WIAA, according to the release.
“We will not stand by while our State’s Superintendent refuses to comply with Title IX under his false legal theories that the word ‘sex’ in Title IX means ‘gender identity,’ as this theory undermines student rights and threaten our schools,” said School Board President Gabe Galbraith. “This Board is committed to following the law, protecting fairness, and defending our community’s values.”
The full school board complaint can be found online.
