Elk Grove Unified school board halts proposal seen as targeting trans athletes

The Elk Grove Unified School District board voted 7-1 to stop future discussion of a proposal that would have banned transgender students from participating in girls’ school sports.

The decision blocks a resolution introduced by school board member Heidi Moore that sought to add “Title IX and Fairness in Girls’ Interscholastic Sports” to a future board agenda. Moore argued the resolution would reinforce federal protections for female athletes under Title IX, but opponents said it targeted transgender youth and violated state law.

District staff recommended against advancing the item, citing its conflict with California law, which allows students to compete on teams that align with their gender identity.

Moore defended the proposal, saying that 15 other districts had already passed similar resolutions and “to my knowledge, none of these boards of education have faced litigation to date after passing these resolutions.”

“California has enacted laws that blatantly violate Title IX protections for girls,” Moore said during packed Tuesday night meeting. “The U.S. Department of Education website makes it clear that state laws do not override federal anti-discrimination laws.”

“I fear that if we do not take a stand on this issue, we will erase the efforts of these women and we will erase girls sports,” she said.

Most board members said the issue was still under legal review at the national level and warned of potential consequences for the district.

“I believe it’s both wise and responsible for this board to wait until we have a clear legal direction before taking a formal stance that could have unintended consequences for our district,” trustee Susan Davis said. “I’d prefer to take the time to do this right wait for the courts honor the legal process and commit to having honest, consistent conversations that reflect our values across the board.”

“(A) resolution that would target our trans students is not appropriate for our district,” trustee Delia Baulwin added. “It’s not in line with what we stand for — that all students each reach their highest potential.”

More than 20 speakers addressed the board during public comment, with many voicing support for the resolution and citing fairness and safety in girls’ sports.

“Boys and girls are built differently,” said Eva Dao, a parent who came to speak in support of the resolution. “This isn’t just opinion, it is biology.”

Others said the proposal would harm transgender students by singling them out and restricting their access to school activities.

“That title hides what this really is — a resolution to push transgender children out of sports and into harm,” said Katie Houston, a mental health clinician. “As a clinician, I see how depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation rise when students are cut off from belonging. The antidote is building resilience through one trusted adult who believes in them — a coach who stands by them, and a team who welcomes them.”

The resolution’s defeat means the board will not revisit the proposal unless reintroduced through a separate process.