SPOKANE, Wash. — Members of the community attended the Mead School Board meeting on Monday night to share their thoughts on the district’s transgender student athlete policy.
In February, President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
In contrast, Washington state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender and allows students to participate on sports teams that align with their gender identity.
Feeling caught between federal and state law and concerned for its funding, Mead School District sent a letter to the Departments of Education and Justice asking federal officials to intervene in the conflicting directions.
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recently found Mead’s policy regarding transgender athletes to be out of line with the state’s policy. OSPI gave the Board 30 days to bring the policy into compliance.
Monday night’s meeting was an opportunity for the community to share their thoughts and concerns with the board ahead of the upcoming policy revisions.
Many public comments were in favor of President Trump’s executive order, citing concern for girls’ safety in locker rooms and restrooms and fair competition.
“I believe what has brought so many people here tonight as citizens, parents and grandparents is a concern for the girls of this district, the students and athletes. The district is responsible for their safety,” said one commenter.
Some speakers expressed a desire for more clarity on the role of teachers with regard to the policy.
“I wanted to discuss the legal ramifications for teachers when we’re not following the law,” said one commenter. “There’s a big discrepancy between state and federal and what happens to teachers – that’s a question that is concerning and hard to negotiate.”
A handful of speakers spoke in support of transgender students and athletes and appealed to the board to include LGBTQ+ students in the discussion.
“I hope that when you are collecting feedback, you reach out to the transgender and LGBTQ students and families that are out and comfortable talking to you in your district and ask what they think about this,” said one speaker. “I guarantee you that right now is a terrifying time for transgender students and for LGBTQ people.”
The District’s revisions are due to OSPI by May 23.
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