U.S. Education officials open investigation into Tumwater School District over girls sports
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) branch in Seattle has opened an investigation into the Tumwater School District after the district allowed a trans girl from Shelton to compete against its high school girls basketball team in February.
According to a Monday news release, the investigation was opened Friday, Feb. 28. The Tumwater School Board voted the night before to support updating Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy to not allow trans girls to play on girls sports teams.
According to the news release, the investigation was opened because the district allegedly continues to violate Title IX by allowing male athletes to compete in girls’ interscholastic athletics. It follows a complaint filed by the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) on behalf of 15-year-old Frances Staudt, who said she experienced sex discrimination and retaliation for speaking out against playing against trans player Andi Rooks from Shelton.
FAIR is a national nonprofit that campaigns against diversity and inclusion programs, ethnic studies curricula, and antiracism initiatives.
The complaint alleges that Tumwater school officials had advance notice that a member of the opposing team was born a male, but the game continued anyway. A Tumwater school official allegedly cited WIAA policy, which currently allows athletes to play on the team that conforms to their gender identity.
The complaint says Staudt was deprived of a fair athletic opportunity for having to play against a biological male. It also alleges that the Tumwater school district is investigating Staudt for violating its policies against bullying and harassment by misgendering Rooks.
“OCR’s directed investigations of educational institutions, state boards of education, interscholastic associations, and school districts demonstrates that the Trump Education Department will vigorously enforce Title IX to ensure men stop competing in women’s sports,” Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in the news release. “If Washington wants to continue to receive federal funds from the department, it has to follow federal law.”
According to the news release, state laws do not override federal anti-discrimination laws, and TSD remains subject to Title IX and its implementing regulations so long as they receive federal funds.
“FAIR is thrilled that the Department of Education is opening a Title IX investigation of Tumwater School District in Washington. All female student-athletes in Washington are entitled to feel safe in sports and enjoy a fair opportunity to compete,” said Monica Harris, FAIR’s executive director.
The news release also points out that Washington state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal sent an email to public school superintendents on Feb. 6 directing them to continue to follow state law when it comes to trans student participation in sports.
Tumwater Schools spokesperson Laurie Wiedenmeyer said the district is aware of the OCR investigation. She said the district takes the matter seriously, and they’re committed to working with OCR to address the concerns in the complaint.
“Our priority has always been to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for all students, families, and staff,” she said.
Wiedenmeyer said the district can’t discuss the specific details of the investigation, but they take all concerns seriously and remain dedicated to continuous improvement in their schools.
“We appreciate the patience of our community as we work through this, and we remain dedicated to transparency and continuous improvement,” she said. “Our focus remains on supporting each of our students, staff, and families while fostering an educational environment that upholds the values of respect and opportunity for all.”
Shelton School District spokesperson Katie Diamond said the district isn’t being investigated, and the school board hasn’t had any further discussions around trans student issues.
“We continue to support the safety and well-being of all our students. We have no further comment,” Diamond said.
OSPI spokesperson Katy Payne said OSPI’s guidance to school districts on this topic is rooted in both state and federal law, and they will not change their guidance unless the law changes.
A spokesperson with the U.S. Department of Education said the Office for Civil Rights does not comment on pending investigations. They directed The Olympian to How the Office for Civil Rights Handles Complaints and their Case Processing Manual.
This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 11:02 AM.
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