PPS, OSAA under federal investigation over possible Title IX violations

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - According to the U.S. Department of Education, last week at McDaniel High School, a transgender girl competed alongside athletes assigned female at birth in the 200 and 400 meter dashes.

The runner took home first place, and set season records.

This win has been the center of controversy and has prompted a federal investigation into Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) over possible Title IX violations.

“You put this child in this position, and you put the girls who are faced to compete against this athlete with an advantage in that position of dominance, and it made everyone feel like this was a horrible situation to live under,” track coach John Parks said.

Parks has been vocal about this issue. He says he supports trans athletes having their own category to race in, but sees the toll it takes on some of his runners who fall short racing against transgender competitors.

“The cisgender athletes have a disadvantage that they can’t overcome, and to tell them they have to is like saying, well is, like saying we expect you to take illegal steroids or something along those lines. It’s asking them to do something that’s not fair to them,” said Parks.

According to the OSAA gender identification policy, students are allowed “to participate for the athletic or activity program of their consistently asserted gender identity while providing a fair and safe environment for all students.”

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McDaniel student Ava Wentela is close to the track athlete and said that policy should stay.

“She’s just trying to do what she loves to do and she can’t do it freely without being like hated on or judged for it, and she is who she is, she’s trying to be confident and just live her life and she can’t,” said Wentela.

According to a statement from PPS, the district is “fully cooperating with the investigation” and that PPS is in “full compliance with Oregon state law, which may differ from federal guidance.”

Wentela said the athlete is focusing now on what she can control.

“She is disappointed by it, but she doesn’t let that stop her; she just keeps doing what she loves,” said Wentela. “I just hope she knows she’s very loved and she’s so talented.”

FOX 12 also contacted OSAA and was told they are consulting with legal counsel to respond to the Department of Education.