Supporters of Camas High School runners, who recently walked out of a race over the inclusion of a transgender teammate, are organizing a rally next week. Amy Sousa, the event’s organizer, is encouraging adults to ease the burden on students.
Sousa has been a leading figure in rallies advocating for Sophie Cunningham, who voiced her concerns about male athletes competing in women’s sports during the recent WNBA season.
The “Camas Courage” rally is set for Wednesday, October 21, at 2 p.m., at 2600 NW Lake Road in Camas, Washington, as stated in promotional materials.
“It’s not fair that these students feel they have to become activists. Adults need to take initiative and stand up for them,” Sousa conveyed in a conversation.
The rally comes after on October 13, around a dozen Camas girls chose to walk off the field rather than compete against a transgender athlete who had started the season in the boys’ division.
Sousa, who documented Tuesday’s protest, hopes the rally will affirm to the runners that adults are on their side and are committed to advocating for changes in eligibility regulations. Anticipated attendees include Republican State Senator John Braun, representatives from Women’s Declaration International USA and Women’s Liberation Front, along with parents and students.
Sousa has also pushed back against school officials who claim they are adhering to the current rules.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association maintains that its participation policy aligns with state law, and thus it cannot enact restrictions that would contravene it.
Additionally, Sousa aims to garner support for Initiative 638, which will be voted on by Washington residents on November 3. This initiative seeks to prevent biologically male students from participating in specific female-only school sports and would necessitate healthcare provider verification of biological sex.
Proponents argue it is essential for maintaining fair competition for girls, while opponents contend it would discriminate against transgender girls and create new medical and privacy challenges for female athletes.
Sousa indicated that she is informing local authorities about the rally, intending to hold it before the competition starts to minimize interference with the students’ events. She is open to engaging in discussions with those who disagree with her views.
Her critique is particularly aimed at the adults in charge of the policy, rather than the students involved.
“It’s not this boy’s fault that these circumstances are allowed to exist,” Sousa added. “We need to do a better job for our daughters.”
