Protest in Camas draws attention to initiative on transgender athletes in girls’ sports

A protest by members of the Camas High School girls’ cross-country team has thrust a local race into the center of a statewide debate over school sports.

A social media video showed a group of runners walking away from a meet Tuesday, objecting to the participation of a runner who identifies as female but began the season competing against boys, according to published race results.

BREAKING: Nearly half of the girls cross-country team in Camas, Washington, just forfeited their race. They refused to compete against a boy. This is bravery. Vote YES on I-638 to stand with them. Video: @KnownHeretic https://t.co/Sh4LKXOCt3

— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) October 14, 2026

Camas parent says runners shared concerns before walkout

The protest comes as Washington voters prepare to decide I-638 in November. The measure seeks to ban biologically male students from competing in girls’ sports. It would require verification of biological sex from a health care provider for a student to participate in girls’ sports.

Kevin and Sarah Burns’ daughter participated in the walkout. In an interview with OutKick on Fox News, Kevin Burns said the protest gained momentum after multiple teammates voiced similar concerns.

“When they all got together, and kind of expressed the same feelings about this, I think that’s when they decided to do something,” Burns said.

Burns also said the students understood there could be consequences for skipping the race.

“There’s cost to everything when you stand up for what you believe is right,” he said.

The protest extended beyond the course, with some parents displaying signs near the event.

Camas School District responds to protest

In a statement to KIRO Newsradio, the Camas School District said it respects the right of individuals to express their views but also has a responsibility to maintain safety and order at school-sponsored events.

“During the event, individuals displaying protest signs on school property were asked to remove their signs or relocate to the public sidewalk, where they could continue expressing their views,” the district said. “These directions were intended to maintain a safe and orderly environment, not to restrict any particular viewpoint.”

KIRO Newsradio has reached out to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) for comment. Under current WIAA rules, students may participate in athletics consistent with their gender identity.

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