Appearing on the Seattle-based radio show "Jake and Spike," the head of Washington's public school system made some remarks about the boys-in-girls-sports debate that seemed outlandish by even a politician's standards.The issue at hand was Initiative 638, a Nov.3 ballot measure in Washington that, if passed, would keep biological males out of K-12 sports.
Host Jake Skorheim brought up the situation in southern Washington, where members of the Camas High girls cross country team walked off the start line Tuesday in protest of having to run in the same event as a boy.A CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER SWITCHED TO THE GIRLS TEAM MIDSEASON, PARENTS VOICE THEIR DISAPPROVAL AT MEETA Camas High cross-country runner who switched from the boys team to the girls team midseason stands at the starting line of a girls’ race at the Nike Hole in the Wall XC Invitational.(OutKick)Answered Reykdal: "Let's face it, this is happening across the country, where we've empowered young people to make important decisions.
And 99% of the time, they're good friends and colleagues, and they respect their transgender colleagues.But some don't agree with it, and that's their right to express that."This doesn't sound too objectionable on its face, but there did seem to be a subtle dig at the protesters.
Reykdal said that 99% of young athletes are "good friends and colleagues" and that they "respect their transgender colleagues." It's almost as though he's implying the 1% are disrespectful.No.
Surely there are some girls out there who are OK with competing against biological boys.The fact that protesters have received backlash from various teammates proves as much.
But just because other athletes aren't going public with their disapproval doesn't mean they like it.They just don't want the smoke that comes with being outspoken.WASHINGTON HS GIRLS BLAST MALE ATHLETE PARTICIPATING IN TRACK MEET: 'DON'T THINK THAT THAT'S RIGHT OR FAIR'Second — choosing not to compete against a trans athlete does not mak...