Two California High Schools Leave Nevada Sports Association Over Transgender Policy

TRUCKEE, Calif. — Two high schools are withdrawing from the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) in response to a new state policy prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports.

Truckee and North Tahoe High Schools, located near the California-Nevada border, made the decision following the NIAA’s policy change approved in April. This move has sparked controversy in the wider discussion on gender identity in sports.

According to Truckee Schools spokesperson Amber Burke, the schools must comply with California laws that protect students against sex discrimination. “We are a California school district, and so we must adhere to California state law,” Burke stated. “It is related to the recent NIAA policy changes regarding student-athlete eligibility based on biological sex, which conflicts with California laws.”

The specific California law mentioned by Burke is AB 1955, which safeguards students’ rights to gender identity and expression. A letter from the Truckee Tahoe United School District to parents emphasized that Nevada’s rules “directly conflict” with these protections.

The NIAA’s new policy, which limits competition to biological females in girls’ sports, is a shift from earlier regulations that allowed transgender athletes, a change that had led to various incidents in recent years.

The two high schools will transition to compete under the California Interscholastic Federation. California is continuing its practice of allowing biological males to compete in female sports, diverging from the recent changes by the NIAA.

A survey by the Public Policy Institute of California released in April indicated that many California residents oppose allowing biological male transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the inclusion “deeply unfair” but also expressed empathy towards the transgender community.

The NIAA Executive Director Tim Jackson confirmed on Monday that the organization has been informed about the withdrawal process and is working cooperatively with the schools. “We appreciate the longstanding partnership with Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District and are dedicated to supporting their transition while upholding the best interests of all our member schools,” he added.

This withdrawal marks a significant moment in the conversation surrounding transgender policies in sports, aligning with ongoing debates on student rights and inclusion.