On October 13, over 12 girls from the Camas cross country team walked off the field in protest of being forced to run against a boy. The night before, five seniors quit the team, including three team captains. Other girls showed up for the race out of uniform and refused to step up to the starting line. These girls showed immense courage, integrity, and solidarity. While I’m so proud of these girls, they should never have been put in a position to become student activists to protect girls’ sports. Adults should have intervened before this ever became an issue. Parents tell me these girls wanted their message seen and their voices heard, but they don’t want to keep doing this. I want these girls to know we’ve heard their voices, received their message, and now adults are taking responsibility for what happens next. On Wednesday, Oct. 21, we will be returning to Camas to hold a rally of support and solidarity for our girls. Courage calls to courage, and the community has heard the call of Camas Courage from these brave girls. As the years have gone by, the issue of boys in girls’ sports has become more and more contentious. There is something WA State adults can do to stop this right now and protect girls’ sports now and forever: vote YES on 638 Fairness in Girls Sports to ensure that girls’ sports remain single-sex. Right now, the rules say any boy can compete in girls' sports simply by declaring a new identity. The rules are unjust and harmful to our daughters. Adults need to know they don't need a permission slip for courage. Now is the time to stand up!

The trans paradox: