OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The federal government has opened a Title IX investigation into the state Superintendent’s Office over its policies on gender inclusivity.
The U.S. Department of Education announced the investigation on Wednesday, April 30, citing reports from multiple school districts in the state.
The reports claim the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is forcing schools to allow biological males to participate in female sports and enter locker rooms or restrooms designated for females.
One particular complaint from the La Center School District alleged the state is telling districts not to notify parents of a change in their child’s “gender identity.”
The department says violations of Title IX and other laws could result in the state losing federal funding.
Washington state superintendent Chris Reykdal responded that state law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and calls the investigation an “alarming attempt” to infringe on transgender rights.
He says his office will continue to enforce the state’s current laws until Congress changes the law or federal courts rule against them.
It comes as the Lynden School Board is scheduled to discuss the topic at its meeting on Thursday, May 1.
The district’s Board of Directors had been planning to send letters to the U.S. Attorney General and the Office of Civil Rights requesting Title IX investigations into the OSPI and Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).
