Proposed student-athlete rule changes by Whatcom school districts fail WIAA vote

Whatcom County school districts' proposals to restrict transgender participation in high school sports were rejected in a recent WIAA vote. One measure, which sought to limit girls' sports to biological females, fell just one vote short of approval. The other proposal, aimed at creating a separate division for transgender and nonbinary athletes, failed by a larger margin, with neither achieving the necessary 60% supermajority. The Lynden, Lynden Christian, and Blaine school districts were involved in submitting these proposals, which were advisory due to advice from state agencies indicating they would violate state law. In a contrasting decision, the WIAA approved girls flag football as an official sport, the first new sanction since 1999.

WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman expressed gratitude for the hard work put into the amendment cycle and emphasized the excitement surrounding the introduction of girls flag football. These changes, including the new sport, will take effect on August 1, 2025. The failed proposals highlight ongoing debates around gender inclusivity in school sports.