High School Girls Protest Transgender Athlete’s Inclusion in Cross-Country Meet

In Washington, a dozen high school girls staged a protest at a cross-country meet on October 13. The event involved Camas High School competing against Battle Ground. The conflict arose after a decision allowed a male athlete to join the girls’ varsity team midway through the season.

On September 5, this athlete placed 76th in a boys’ junior varsity race in Oregon. By September 15, the athlete was competing with the girls, sparking discontent reported by OutKick’s Matt Calkins.

Camas school officials approved the switch. However, the young runners felt this compromised fairness and chose to walk off the course. Parents Kevin and Sarah Burns, appearing on “The Ingraham Angle,” explained their daughter Holly’s decision.

“We supported Holly in doing what feels right,” said Kevin Burns. “Her team decided to take a stand.”

Prior to this, some team captains had already resigned. Many parents questioned the athlete’s eligibility, but the Camas School District cited compliance with state rules. Washington law mandates schools allow athletes to compete based on their gender identity.

Holly’s father voiced his frustration: “The school’s letter forbids discrimination based on gender identity and expression. This shut down our concerns.”

As silence from sports figures persisted, teenagers took action. In California, high school girls wore “Protect Girls Sports” shirts at a postseason track meet in Yorba Linda.

Holly’s mother expressed sympathy for young athletes facing adult issues. “These are teenagers who want to compete unburdened,” said Sarah Burns.

The controversy followed parents onto meet sidelines. With signs, they faced threats from security. Joel Retzlaff, banned from school property after protesting a trans runner, stood firm.

“We’ve had support from a silent majority,” stated Kevin Burns. He believes people are afraid to speak out. “This is why we held signs – for the girls’ confidence.”

Despite building pushback, the Burns family persisted. Kevin pressed politicians to defend girls’ athletics, noting bipartisan support. “This can unite political sides; it’s a winning issue.”

With enduring inaction from adults, high school girls are filling the gap. Welcome to high school sports in 2026.