Initiative Measure IL26-638 would prohibit students the measure defines as “biologically male” from competing in individual or team athletic competitions designated exclusively for female students at K-12 schools. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has allowed transgender students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity since 2007. The measure would also fundamentally change Washington’s existing approach to transgender student participation in athletics by requiring schools to prohibit transgender girls from competing on girls’ teams covered by the initiative. Critics say the scope of the verification system is disproportionate to the number of transgender students currently participating in Washington school sports and could ultimately discourage cisgender as well as transgender girls from competing. A recently graduated Washington student-athlete identified as Maria told The Cut that she has been organizing against the initiative.