The Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors, headed by West Seattle-residing president Gina Topp, might sue over Initiative 638, the state ballot measure banning transgender girls from girls’ sports. That’s the decision board members made in a closed-door special meeting tonight, issuing this announcement afterward:
Tonight, during a special meeting, the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 2026/27-11. The resolution reaffirms the Board’s commitment to ensuring that Seattle Public Schools students have equitable access to education and opportunities in schools that are safe, inclusive, affirming, and supportive. It also authorizes the securing of legal counsel to represent the district in carrying out any legal action determined to be warranted to protect the interests of Seattle Public Schools and prevent harm to district students. The Board resolution specifically states that requirements under the initiative would apply exclusively to girls’ athletics and could subject girls to scrutiny, verification, and potential invasions of privacy not imposed on boys. The resolution also raises concerns about potential legal, operational, financial, and administrative burdens for public schools.
“Our responsibility as a School Board is to uphold the law and protect the students and families we serve,” said Seattle School Board President Gina Topp. “When a new law raises serious questions about how it interacts with existing laws and constitutional protections, we have a responsibility to seek clarity from the courts. This resolution gives the district the ability to do seek appropriate legal action so we can meet our obligations to our students””
The Board previously adopted Resolution No. 2026/27-06 on September 23, 2026, opposing Initiative IL26-638. In the resolution adopted tonight, the Board reaffirmed that position and raised concerns about the initiative’s potential impact on student privacy and dignity, equal treatment of students, and access to school athletics and other educational opportunities.
“Washington has important laws that protect student privacy, guarantee equal access to educational opportunities, and ensure students are treated fairly,” said Seattle School Board Member-at-Large Joe Mizrahi. “These laws reflect values our communities have fought for and overwhelmingly support. As Board Directors, we take an oath to uphold them. Right now, we don’t see a way to implement Initiative 638 without violating those vital protections. We aren’t willing to simply disregard our other legal obligations, and that’s why we’re asking the courts to help resolve this conflict.”
The resolution reaffirms the Board’s commitment to schools that are “safe, inclusive, affirming, and supportive for all children.”
In the latest results, I-638 had 56 percent “yes” votes statewide, 44 percent “no”; in King County, it’s 58 percent “no,” 42 percent “yes.”