MLSD board votes to support WIAA amendment, two state initiatives

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School board voted on a resolution to support Washington Interscholastic Activities and Athletics Amendment No. 21, Washington State Initiative IL 26-638 and Washington State Initiative IL 26-001, on Thursday night.  

“This is a resolution to WIAA in support of their amendment 21, but this is different from last year's one. It also supports Initiative 26-638, protecting fairness and girls' sports and Initiative 26-001, strengthening communication between parents and schools,” board member Paul Hill said. “We understand the importance of protecting our girls in sports.”  

Four of five board members voted yes on the matter, with board member Michael Nordsten voting no.  

“One of the things, for me, whether we like it or not, comes down to state law, and I know there are some thoughts out there that state law is in conflict with Title IX and some other things,” Nordsten said. “But I think back to the oath that I took last month, which said that I would uphold state law and I can’t vote based on how I feel or any political persuasions or any religious persuasions. I have to vote on this thing based on what the law says.”   

WIAA Resolution No. 21 

WIAA announced 35 resolutions Dec. 10, which will be voted on throughout April 8-17, 2026. The MLSD board focused on Amendment 21, which is an advisory vote only. The amendment would not be implemented under the current state law, according to WIAA.  

“Participation in girls’ sports would be limited to biological females,” reads the summary of the amendment.  

According to the amendment, a third “open” category would be included for baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, dance, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field and wrestling. With the open category, the girl's category would be restricted to those born biologically female. For eligibility into the female category, biological sex may be verified with an original birth certificate or an affidavit from a licensed physician. In cases involving intersex athletes – those born with both male and female genitalia - appeals would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The effective date will be as soon as possible.  

The amendment was submitted by the following school districts: Lynden, Blain, Colville, Eastmont, Kennewick, Lake Chelan, Mead, Moses Lake, Okanogan, Omak and Tonasket. The Lyden Christian School also signed on.  

WA Initiative IL 26-638 

This initiative would require students to participate in girls’ or women’s interscholastic sports based on their biological sex as verified through the existing sports physical exam process. It defines biological sex using reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup or typical endogenous testosterone levels.  

The measure prohibits biologically male students from competing in female‑only athletic competitions. It also requires school districts and athletic organizations to ensure all their policies and rules conform to this biological‑sex participation requirement.  

Existing anti‑discrimination laws in schools remain in place, except where modified to allow separation of sports teams under this act. 

A Let’s Go Washington report submitted around 445,000 signatures on the measure, needing around 309,000 for it to qualify.  

The legislature has yet to take action; however, three options are available. Firstly, the legislature could adopt the initiative as written. Secondly, the legislature could reject the initiative, which would result in the measure being placed on the ballot for voter approval. Thirdly, the legislature could propose an alternative initiative, where both the original measure and the updated proposal are placed on the ballot.  

WA Initiative IL 26-001 

This initiative restores and constitutionally protects for two years the parental rights originally created under Initiative 2081, including access to instructional materials, school records and medical notifications.  

It affirms that parents are the primary stakeholders in their children's upbringing and grants parents broad rights to review records, receive notifications, opt their children out of certain content and access information affecting their child’s education, health, safety and disciplinary status.  

Schools must provide timely access to student records, prior notice of medical services, immediate notice of criminal or safety incidents, and clear opportunities for parents to opt out of surveys and sexual‑health instruction.  

The measure also requires transparency regarding school calendars, fees, dress codes, academic progress, bilingual services, special education rights, and nonresident enrollment options. It includes limitations preventing the release of certain records when a parent is under investigation for abuse and states that the act does not create a private right of action. 

Let’s Go Washington reported submitting around 416,000 signatures. The legislature has not taken action on this measure, with the same options available as the above initiative.