IL26-638 · Initiative: K-12 Athletics Participation (Trans Students)

Initiative that would prohibit transgender students from participating in school athletic activities designated for female students at K-12 schools in Washington.

Washington’s Human Rights Commission and WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) have supported transgender student participation in school sports consistent with each student’s gender identity. IL26-638 would override those protections through statute. The initiative was certified by the Secretary of State in January 2026. The legislature declined to hold hearings, and the measure is certified for the November 3, 2026 ballot.

IL26-638 would amend state law to prohibit students it defines as “biologically male” from competing in athletic activities designated for female students at K-12 public schools. If passed, it would override existing WIAA policy allowing transgender student participation in alignment with gender identity.

• Excluding transgender youth from school activities is an exclusionary practice that causes documented psychological harm, increases school disengagement, and raises serious civil rights concerns under federal Title IX as interpreted by federal courts.
• Forced exclusion from school community — whether from classrooms, extracurriculars, or sports — is a risk factor for school pushout and justice system involvement. The coalition views policies that exclude and stigmatize students as inconsistent with its mission.
• LGBTQ+ youth, and transgender youth in particular, are significantly overrepresented in the juvenile justice system and among youth experiencing homelessness — factors that are directly connected to school climate and belonging.
• Coalition members are encouraged to engage with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in Washington and to contact their legislators about the harms of this initiative prior to the November 2026 vote.