Camas School District Faces Controversy Over Cross Country Team

John Anzalone, the superintendent of Camas School District, chose to respond to a pressing issue not just as an administrator, but as a father. He is currently involved in what might be one of the most contentious sports narratives happening across the country, and he’s well aware of the distress it’s causing among many teenagers.

This tension reached a boiling point on Tuesday when around a dozen runners from the Camas High School girls cross country team walked away from the starting line as their race against Battle Ground commenced. Their protest was against a male teammate’s participation in girls’ events.

Last month, a sophomore from Camas transitioned from the boys’ team to the girls’ midseason, following a 76th-place finish in a boys’ race. Since then, this athlete has won a varsity meet and secured second place in two others. Naturally, this incident has turned into a national story, sparking protests from both teammates and competitors. While Anzalone refrained from taking sides, he expressed his empathy for the affected students.

“It’s tough to watch students feel upset, and it hurts our families too. This issue has been a polarizing topic for a while, and it might have intensified that division,” Anzalone remarked. “As a dad, seeing kids caught in this kind of turmoil is heartbreaking. They’re just kids, trying to navigate these complicated situations, and it’s been difficult to witness.”

It remains unclear how Anzalone or the school’s staff fully feel about the situation with the biological male runner who started the season with the boys. Their responses have generally been either neutral or silent. However, discontent from parents was audible during a recent meet in Arlington, and athletes are beginning to voice their concerns more openly.

Addressing such sensitive topics is no small feat. Many individuals feel strongly about the separation of biological males and females in sports, yet those with opposing views can be quite harsh. One parent, expressing reluctance to speak out, mentioned concerns about potential backlash, saying, “I don’t want my house burned down.” Meanwhile, a protesting girl from last month noted that some friends of hers have distanced themselves as a result of her stance.

Despite these challenges, Anzalone clarified that there wouldn’t be repercussions for the Camas girls who opted to walk off the line. “The girls can handle this in any way they see fit,” he stated. “I was at the meet, and their actions were peaceful. We fully support their right to express themselves. Sure, some looked upset and conflicted, but we must remember—they’re still teenagers.”

As the Camas cross country team prepares for the Greater St. Helen’s League district meet on October 21, one protesting parent expressed uncertainty about the girls’ next steps. The current roster allows only seven varsity runners per team, which means the male runner could potentially take a spot from one of his female teammates.

Anzalone confirmed that there won’t be any actions taken to prevent this from happening. “As long as WIAA policy permits the biological male to run, and he is eligible, he’ll continue to compete. Nothing has changed on our end,” he explained. “We don’t engage in political stances as a school district—our focus is on following the existing policy.”

The midseason switch by the male runner didn’t break any rules. According to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), students can compete on teams that align with their gender identity. However, that’s about to be challenged. Initiative 638, set to be on the November 3 ballot in Washington, seeks to mandate that K-12 students compete based on their biological sex. The organization behind the initiative has indicated that, if passed, it would be effective 30 days after the election, barring any delays in the certification process.

While the current cross country season may conclude before any potential policy change, I-638 could prevent similar issues from surfacing in future competitions.

Anzalone reiterated that Camas will adhere to whatever rules are established. “I’m in a position where I must follow the policy and the law,” he stated. “If things change down the line, we will adjust accordingly.”

The Camas School District has also released a statement addressing the matter. They acknowledged that the community holds diverse opinions on athletic eligibility and emphasized the right to express those views peacefully. Their responsibility lies in ensuring safety and respect for all participants at school events.

As a member of the WIAA, Camas must abide by state law, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and allows students to participate in athletics corresponding to their gender identity. The district does not independently establish these eligibility criteria.

“We are committed to prioritizing student safety, privacy, and well-being,” they added. “Individual student eligibility, personal situations, and potential disciplinary matters remain confidential.”