WA Superintendent Chris Reykdal PRESSED Over Girls' Sports Fairness

Several Camas High School girls' cross-country runners refused to compete in a race involving a transgender athlete, sparking a major debate over fairness in Washington girls' sports. Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is responding to the Camas controversy as voters prepare to decide Initiative 638, a statewide ballot measure addressing eligibility for girls' school sports. In this Washington In Focus Daily report, The Center Square examines the Camas High School protest, Reykdal's comments, and the response from Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kate Anderson. CAMAS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' CROSS-COUNTRY CONTROVERSY Several female cross-country runners at Camas High School declined to compete in a race involving a transgender girl who had previously participated in boys' cross-country events. The incident attracted national attention and renewed questions about transgender athlete participation, competitive fairness and Washington school sports policies. CHRIS REYKDAL RESPONDS TO CAMAS PROTEST During an interview with KIRO Radio, Washington Superintendent Chris Reykdal defended the inclusion of transgender athletes while acknowledging the runners' right to protest. Reykdal argued that schools should accommodate transgender students and questioned whether Washington needs a statewide ballot initiative changing girls' sports eligibility requirements. He also faced questions about competitive fairness after the interviewer raised the athlete's previous results in boys' races. ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM CHALLENGES REYKDAL'S POSITION Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kate Anderson responds to Reykdal's comments, arguing that allowing transgender girls to compete in girls' sports can affect opportunities for female athletes. Anderson discusses competitive placements, recognition, college scholarships and the purpose of Title IX protections in school athletics. The disagreement highlights competing views about fairness, inclusion and athletic opportunities. PUYALLUP WRESTLER'S CASE REACHES U.S. SUPREME COURT The report also examines a separate legal dispute involving a Puyallup School District student wrestler represented by Alliance Defending Freedom. The student alleges she was sexually assaulted during a wrestling match involving a transgender athlete and is seeking an accommodation allowing her to decline certain matches without recording a forfeiture. Her allegations remain part of ongoing litigation. ADF has requested emergency relief from the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of the upcoming wrestling season. The report examines the status of that request and the legal questions surrounding the case. WASHINGTON INITIATIVE 638 Washington voters will decide Initiative 638 in the November 3, 2026 election. The ballot measure concerns eligibility for girls' school sports and has become a focal point in the broader debate over transgender athlete participation. IN THIS REPORT: Camas High School girls' cross-country protest Transgender athlete participation in Washington school sports Chris Reykdal's response to the controversy Washington Interscholastic Activities Association policies Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kate Anderson Competitive fairness and Title IX Puyallup student wrestler's ongoing legal case U.S. Supreme Court emergency relief request Washington girls' sports Initiative 638 Washington's November 2026 election GET WASHINGTON NEWS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE Keeping up with Washington state news shouldn't feel like a second job. The Center Square sends important Washington government and policy updates approximately twice a week, explaining what happened, why it matters and what it could mean for you. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or use the link in the description. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Washington education, elections, public policy, government accountability and the issues affecting families across the state. #CamasHighSchool #ChrisReykdal #GirlsSports #WashingtonNews #Initiative638 #TransgenderAthletes #TitleIX #WashingtonEducation #TheCenterSquare