Parents speak out on The Ingraham Angle after girls forfeit race over biological male runner
On Friday, October 13, a group of about twelve high‑school girls from Camas High School walked off the cross‑country course in the middle of a dual meet against Battle Ground, sparking a protest that has drawn statewide attention. The walk‑off followed a decision by the Camas School District to let a male athlete transfer from the boys’ team to the girls’ varsity roster midseason, a move that many local parents and students say violates the spirit of fair competition.
The athlete in question, who finished 76th in a junior‑varsity boys’ race in Oregon on September 5, was competing in the girls’ division just ten days later. Camas officials approved the switch after reviewing Washington state law and the state athletic association’s regulations, both of which state that “athletes should compete in divisions that match their gender identity.” The district’s response, which was sent to parents via letter, explained that the law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and expression. Kevin Burns, father of one of the walking‑off participants, said the letter effectively shut down the discussion, noting that the school “sent us a letter stating that, based on Washington law, it prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and expression.”
The protest began when the girls, who had been competing for the Camas girls’ cross‑country team, refused to finish the meet in the presence of the newly added trans athlete. “We told her that they should do what they feel is best and that they feel is right,” Kevin Burns said in an interview with Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle.” He added that the girls had the support of their teammates and “decided to make a difference.” Kevin also recalled that “if only a couple of girls had walked off it, they would have lost some opportunities,” but that the size of the protest made it hard for the team’s future to remain intact. “Several of the girls, such as the team, team captains, had quit before this,” he added, noting that many more girls than appeared in the video had already left the team in protest.
Sarah Burns, mother of one of the girls, emphasized that the athletes were only 16‑17 years old. “They’re children, they’re 16‑17‑year‑old girls that shouldn't have to deal with this at all, shouldn’t even be on their radar,” she said. “You know, they should just be able to go out there and race and have fun and not deal with this adult issue.” She added, “I want to stand up for girls that need someone to stand up for them.”
When parents appeared on the sidelines with signs, security at the meet tried to remove them. Kevin recalled that the parents “got a lot of pushback showing up there. They said the signs weren’t allowed. We had to leave. My wife Sarah was being very brave and did not care. And I don’t think they had a legal reason to actually push us out.” The parents stayed on the sidelines, holding their signs and, according to Kevin, giving the girls a “boost of self‑esteem.” He said that many parents who came after them “thank you for doing this,” and that he hoped the protest was the beginning of a larger conversation.
The broader debate centers on whether trans athletes should be allowed to compete on teams that align with their gender identity. Washington state law, which the district cited, prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. Critics, including many parents in Camas, argue that allowing a trans athlete to compete against girls undermines competitive equity and threatens the safety and privacy of female students. Proponents argue that the law protects the rights of trans students to participate fully in school life and that inclusion fosters a more diverse and accepting school environment.
Kevin Burns has urged political leaders to take the issue seriously, stating that the cause “bridges partisan divides.” “This is a big issue that most Americans on both sides of the political aisle agree with. And I don’t know why, party members, especially on the right, aren’t grabbing this more and pushing it,” he said. He cited a recent poll that suggests a majority of Washington voters would support ending boys competing in girls’ sports.
The Camas School District, meanwhile, maintains that it is bound by state law and athletic regulations. “We are not making a decision to discriminate. We are following Washington law that says we have to let athletes compete in divisions matching their gender identity,” a district spokesperson said. “We have no discretion in this matter.”
The protest at the cross‑country meet has sparked a local conversation about inclusion, safety, and competitive fairness. While the district stands by its policy, parents and some members of the community are calling for a review of state regulations. As the season continues, the Camas girls’ team faces an uncertain future, and the debate over trans athletes in high‑school sports remains a flashpoint for educators, policymakers, and parents alike.