What does a teacher and a sports coach have to say about I-001 & I-638?

I’ve been a teacher and youth sports coach for a decade, and I’m very concerned about two initiatives on November’s ballot that threaten our children’s safety. I-001 gives parents access to students' confidential information, while I-638 could subject girls to genital inspections in order to play sports.
Over 25 students have come to me with questions about their sexuality or gender identity. Many feared being kicked out or harmed if their parents knew they were queer. Under I-001, my colleagues and I will be forced to put kids like them at risk of violence or homelessness because the initiative would require us to out LGBTQ+ students to abusive families.

As a soon-to-be school counselor, I-001 would be detrimental to my work and ability to be a safe space for queer youth. For many, school is a refuge from stressful home environments. By removing school records protections, I-001 would make students way less willing to seek support when struggling.

As a youth coach, I know I-638’s sex verification requirement would discourage many girls from participating in sports. No girl should have to undergo an embarrassing genital exam just to play.

I trust Washington voters are smart and will reject both of these harmful measures.