Spokane Council formally opposes student records, trans athlete initiatives
The Spokane City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution opposing two statewide ballot initiatives set for November's election, with councilmembers Zack Zappone and Kate Telis sponsoring Resolution 2026-0075 after members of Spokane's LGBTQ community requested the council take a position on the measures.
The legislative body voted 6-1 to formally oppose both initiatives, which were placed on the ballot by Let's Go Washington, a political action committee that gathered signatures for the measures. Councilman Michael Cathcart cast the sole dissenting vote, maintaining a consistent position he has taken on previous ballot measure resolutions, including a 2024 vote on a redistricting measure.
"Really what we're discussing and debating here is not what is on the ballot. It is the role of this body and how we should act and what we should do."
Cathcart has consistently argued the council should not weigh in on decisions that ultimately rest with voters.
Supportive councilmembers contended the resolution sends an important message of support for the LGBTQ community. "If us voting on this resolution makes it so even one person sees their city standing up for them, it was worth it," Councilman Paul Dillon said.
Transgender Athlete Initiative
Initiative Measure No. IL26-638 would require school districts and nonprofit organizations to "prohibit biologically male students from competing with and against female students" in sports with separate team or individual competitions. The Washington Legislature opted to send the initiative to the November ballot rather than taking action during the 2026 legislative session after supporters gathered enough signatures.
Under the initiative, students would need to submit documents from a healthcare provider verifying "the student's biological sex (based on)… reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels" to compete. Opponents contend this would require physicians to depart from current procedures and force students to undergo invasive genital exams or costly blood or hormone testing.
Supporters maintain the initiative is necessary to protect women's sports and ensure fair competition for girls in the state. They also say opponents have exaggerated the requirements girls would face to prove their eligibility as defined by the initiative.
The policy debate occurs against a backdrop of Washington's longstanding approach to transgender student athletes. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has allowed transgender students to participate in sports programs consistent with their gender identity since 2007, implementing one of the first policies of its kind in the nation. More recently, in 2024 and 2025, the WIAA considered but did not implement proposed amendments to ban transgender girls from girls' sports after the Washington Attorney General's Office and state officials determined the proposals would violate state civil rights laws.
State officials estimate there are five to 10 transgender athletes out of more than 200,000 students who compete across Washington.
Parental Notification Initiative
Initiative Measure No. IL26-001 would re-enact RCW 28A.605.005 as it was originally enacted in Initiative to the Legislature 2081, repealing amendments made by the Legislature in 2025. The measure would enshrine a parent's right to prior notification of medical services offered to their child outside of emergencies, prior notification of medical services or medications that could affect health insurance costs, and a right to prior notification when schools arrange medical treatments requiring follow-up care after school hours.
The initiative would also repeal several changes adopted by the Legislature, including a prohibition of discrimination of a protected class and the ability for parents to file complaints on behalf of students. Parents could opt their students out of surveys inquiring about political affiliation or beliefs, mental or psychological problems, sexual behavior, religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the child, or the child's family and income, among other topics.
Supporters say the initiative is necessary to ensure parents can receive important information about their children's health and safety and stay informed about classroom learning. The Washington State PTA opposes the measure, arguing it would weaken parental notification requirements for crimes at school and create conflicts with state and federal laws regarding student records.
Opponents argue the initiative is poorly written, could weaken protections in certain scenarios, and makes it less clear when a parent must be notified that their student is a victim of a crime.
Community Testimony
Veronica Garcia, who won her first state championship in the girls' 2A 400-meter dash in 2024, becoming Washington's first transgender track athlete to win a state title before winning again in 2025, testified Wednesday in support of the resolution opposing both initiatives.
"I am the same Veronica Garcia that became the poster girl for all the hate and vitriol of anti-trans advocates. Sports are about belonging, connection, growing, discipline, and essential life skills."
"Many actual issues are plaguing women's sports. Predatory coaches, gender pay gaps, lack of resources and funding. These are actual issues."
Garcia also argued that the parental notification initiative puts gay and trans students at risk by outing them to potentially unsupportive parents.
