Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal voiced his support for transgender athletes competing in girls' sports, asserting that biological sex exists on a spectrum. He emphasized the state's legal obligation to uphold the rights of children to participate in sports based on their gender identity.

Reykdal highlighted that a small number of students, approximately five to ten out of nearly 250,000 participating in interscholastic athletics, identify as transgender. He questioned the state's commitment to inclusivity if it cannot accommodate the needs of these few students.

While acknowledging that Congress has the authority to enact a ban on transgender athletes in girls' sports, Reykdal affirmed that Washington would adhere to its current laws and civil rights framework, which allow students to compete based on their gender identity. He referenced the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy that permits participation aligned with gender identity without medical or legal prerequisites.

Although bills to restrict transgender girls' participation have been introduced but not passed, public concern prompted the WIAA to propose a separate "open" division for transgender athletes. This proposal aims to ensure fair competition while fostering a safe and supportive environment for all student-athletes.

The debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports continues, with a recent civil rights complaint filed on behalf of a Washington state teenager allegedly punished for refusing to play against a transgender athlete. This incident underscores the ongoing tension between inclusivity and concerns about fairness in competitive sports.