SPOKANE, Wash. – The conversation surrounding Veronica Garcia, a transgender athlete from East Valley High School, has been gaining attention online. Garcia recently secured her second state title in the girls 2-A 400-meter dash at the Washington State Track and Field Championships.
The topic of transgender athletes in sports continues to spark debate. Some argue that preventing athletes from competing in categories that align with their gender identity is a form of discrimination. Others, however, believe that allowing transgender girls to compete in state athletic events violates Title IX.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination. “It should be for females only period,” is a sentiment expressed by some opponents. Beth Parlato from the Independent Women’s Forum shared her concerns about the fairness of allowing transgender girls to compete. “You know that’s what promised to them and that’s what is guaranteed us are right under title nine and that’s what’s being violated,” Parlato said.
Parlato also criticized the actions of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and state lawmakers. “And so I think the state of Washington and the athletic Association are failing all those girls,” she added. She expressed confusion about the decision, stating, “I’m not understanding why they’re dying on this hill of allowing boys to participate against girls because you’re not doing what your constituents and what the people of your state are actually telling you to do.”
The WIAA initially considered changing state policy regarding transgender athletes in April but decided against it, citing the state’s non-discrimination laws. Kassandra Forsman, who supports the state’s decision, said, “The people that are wanting the federal government to intervene in some thing that is a local and state matter are the same people that are shouting states rights from the rooftops with anything else.”
Garcia’s win at the 2025 Washington Track and Field State Championship was met with mixed reactions from the crowd. Some hecklers were present, prompting Forsman to question, “What kind of person do you have to be to boo a child?” Both Forsman and Parlato agree that heckling minors is inappropriate. “You know, I’m not in agreement you shouldn’t be heckling and booing any minors,” said Forsman. Parlato added, “I don’t think that that’s setting a good example personally.”
Efforts to obtain comments from the WIAA and the East Valley School District have been made, but no response has been received yet.
