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2 California high schools exit Nevada athletics organization over ban on trans athletes in women's sports

By Debapriya Bhattacharya
Published on : 23:15 PST, May 6, 2025
2 California high schools exit Nevada athletics organization over ban on trans athletes in women's sports
Representational Photo (Getty Images)

RENO, NEVADA: Truckee and North Tahoe high schools, situated along the California-Nevada border, have announced their decision to leave the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) over the state's decision to ban transgender athletes from competing in women's sports, the Reno Gazette Journal reported on Friday, May 2.

The NIAA had voted on the decision in April after President Donald Trump signed a similar executive order in February, as per Fox News. The two California high schools have signaled their intention to leave in the fall.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: U.S. President Donald Trump signs the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order in the East Room at the White House on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. The executive order, which Trump signed on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, prohibits transgender women from competing in women’s sports and is the third order he has signed that targets transgender people. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump signs the 'No Men in Women’s Sports' executive order in the East Room at the White House on February 5, 2025, in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Truckee High School spokesperson explains decision to leave NIAA

Truckee High School spokesperson Amber Burke told the publication that the move was to follow the California laws, which prohibit discrimination based on sex or gender identity.

"We are a California school district, and so we must adhere to California state law," Burke said. "It is related to the recent NIAA policy changes regarding student-athlete eligibility based on biological sex. That conflicts with California laws."

However, the South Tahoe High School has reportedly decided to remain in the NIAA, with athletic director Kevin Hennessee stating, "Our stance right now is at this point, we're going to stay in the NIAA because we think it's what's best for our student athletes."

The three schools used to compete in the NIAA due to their long distance from other California schools.

Facade of Tahoe Truckee High School on a clear day with building signage visible, Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Facade of Truckee High School on a clear day with building signage visible, Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California, July 4, 2024 (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Moving to the California Interscholastic Federation

Truckee Superintendent Kerstin Kramer sent a letter to every parent in the Truckee Tahoe Unified School District stating that all athletic programs would be shifted to the California Interscholastic Federation.

"We understand how incredibly important high school sports are to so many of our students, families, and community members. Please know that this decision, while driven by our requirement to comply with California state law, was not taken lightly," he stated.

"Recent NIAA policy changes regarding student-athlete eligibility based solely on biological sex directly conflict with California laws protecting gender identity and expression, including AB 1955, which guarantees students’ rights to privacy and protects them from discrimination. Aligning with CIF ensures our compliance with state law," he added.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Writer, director, and actor Lena Dunham speaks during the Trans Day of Visibility rally on the National Mall on March 31, 2025 in Washington City. Trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive people and supporters took part in rallies around the country to fight for trans rights and equality on International Transgender Day of Visibility. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
Writer, director, and actor Lena Dunham speaks during the Trans Day of Visibility rally on the National Mall on March 31, 2025, in Washington DC (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

NIAA Executive Director Tim Jackson released a statement on Monday, May 5, that read, "The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association has been notified that Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District is seeking to withdraw from the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association. We are working with the district to guide them through the withdrawal process, ensuring a smooth and collaborative transition. Throughout this process, the NIAA remains committed to supporting all member schools and student-athletes." 

NEW YORK CITY - MARCH 31: People march through Manhattan on Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31, 2025 in New York City. The day, which is being celebrated around the country, looks to honor transgender lives and push back against President Trump and his administration's policies. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
People march through Manhattan on Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31, 2025, in New York City (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

"As we move forward, we will prioritize solidifying athletic schedules for the upcoming fall season and maintain clear, ongoing communication with all stakeholders to minimize disruptions and ensure clarity for all involved. We appreciate the longstanding partnership with Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District and are dedicated to supporting their transition while upholding the best interests of all our member schools," he added.

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