JACKSON THOMPSON: Seattle school board authorizes legal challenge to ballot measure protecting girls’ sports

Seattle’s school board voted unanimously to authorise its superintendent to pursue possible legal action over Initiative 638, a voter-approved measure barring biological males from designated girls’ school sports. The move opens a legal challenge over how the measure fits with existing state laws on privacy, equal access and discrimination, but the board has not announced a specific filing.

The initiative won more than 55% of the vote and is due to take effect on 3 December. Board members said districts need legal guidance on implementation, while supporters argued the measure protects fairness for girls and the voters’ decision. The 7-0 vote followed the board’s earlier opposition to the initiative; it does not itself suspend the measure or establish that a court will find it unlawful.