A Washington state high school is under federal investigation after a female student athlete refused to compete against a transgender athlete, sparking a national debate and prompting the school district to ban transgender athletes from girls' sports. The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights opened a Title IX investigation into the Tumwater School District (TSD) following a civil rights complaint filed on behalf of student Frances Staudt.

Staudt's refusal to play ignited controversy, ultimately leading the school board to vote 3-1 to ban transgender athletes from girls' sports. This decision directly contradicts Washington state law, which mandates transgender inclusion in school sports, and aligns with the Trump administration's stance on the issue. The school board acknowledged the pressure from the Staudt incident and the ensuing public backlash as factors in their decision.

Despite the district's ban, the Department of Education is proceeding with its investigation. The complaint alleges that the district investigated Staudt for "misgendering" her opponent and violating school policies on bullying and harassment. Staudt reportedly sought clarification from school administrators about the athlete's biological sex before the game, but her request to have the athlete removed was denied. An incident involving Staudt’s younger brother, who was allegedly confronted by a school employee for filming the game, is also mentioned in the complaint.

The TSD issued a statement to Fox News Digital emphasizing their commitment to a welcoming environment for all students and their cooperation with the investigation. Staudt and her mother, Aimee, believe the situation could have been handled differently if families had been informed beforehand and given the option for their children to opt out of the game. Meanwhile, the transgender athlete, Andi Rooks, stated in a YouTube interview that she was unaware of Staudt's discomfort and would have willingly sat out if she had known.

Washington state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, defended the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls' sports, asserting that the state will adhere to existing laws and civil rights frameworks. The Department of Education is also investigating athletic associations in several other states for similar defiance of the Trump administration's stance.