Feds launch investigations into four WA school districts over trans athletes

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has announced they are investigating four school districts in Washington state for permitting transgender students to compete in school sports.

Cheney Public Schools, the Sultan School District, Tacoma Public Schools, and Vancouver Public Schools are just four of the 18 educational entities nationwide under investigation for alleged Title IX violations.

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According to a statement from the Department of Education, the group of K-12 school districts, postsecondary education institutions, and state departments of education, "maintain policies or practices that discriminate on the basis of sex by permitting students to participate in sports based on their 'gender identity,' not biological sex."

Those policies put the safety and equal opportunities of women in educational programs and activities at risk, the office argues.

The rollout of the investigations are happening as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in two cases involving state laws banning transgender girls and women from competing in sports at publicly funded schools.

In an email, Tacoma Public Schools confirmed to KUOW that they received notification of the investigation on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The notice, signed by Senior Attorney Kwame Amoateng, states the department's Office for Civil Rights received a complaint against the district in February 2025.

"The January 14th letter is the first notification the district has received of this investigation or complaint," the statement adds.

That complaint alleges that Tacoma Public Schools "discriminates on the basis of sex by following a Washington Interscholastic Activities Association rule that permits students to participate in sports and to access restrooms and locker rooms in accordance with the student's gender identity."

The notice also includes a list of documents and data the district must provide by Jan. 29, like the name and contact information of the district's Title IX coordinator.

The office is also requesting a list of district sports teams "designated for female students in which a male student participated" between the 2023 and 2026 school years, and "provide the team roster and identify the male participant(s)."

Tacoma Public Schools stated they intend to provide the documentation requested in the letter.

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A spokesperson for Cheney Public Schools told KUOW in an emailed response that they are aware of the investigation, and the district does plan to cooperate.

The other two other districts have not returned a request for comment.

Editor's note, 01/16/26: This story has been updated to include Tacoma Public School's response and additional information about the Office for Civil Rights request.