Rally planned in support of Washington girls who refused to race cross country with a transgender teammate

After about a dozen Camas high school girls were kicked out of a cross country race because of a transgender teammate, Amy Souza is organizing a "Camas Courage" rally.

Women's rights activists plan to hold Washington state rally over transgender athletes in girls cross country

Amy Souza, who was one of the leading organizers of the rallies in support of Sophie Cunningham, is now planning a rally in a girls' cross-country race that will feature a male competitor.

Supporters of Camas High School runners who were kicked out of the race because of a transgender teammate are planning a rally next week, where organizer Amy Souza is asking adults to take the pressure off the students.

Souza was one of the leading organizers of the protest in support of Sophie Cunningham following her stance against boys' girls' sports last season in the WNBA.

The "Courage of Kamas" march is planned for Wednesday, October 21 at 2 p.m. at 2600 NW Lake Road in Camas, Washington, according to the event flyer.

"You shouldn't have to be a student activist. Adults are in control now and adults are standing up," Souza told OutKick.

The rally follows an Oct. 13 walkout by about a dozen Camas girls who refused to compete with a transgender athlete who had started the season competing in the boys' division.

Souza, who attended and filmed Tuesday's protest, said he wanted the rally to show runners that adults support them and will push for changes to the eligibility rules. Expected attendees include Republican state Sen. John Brown, women from the United States Declaration of Women International and the Women's Liberation Front, and parents and students, she said.

Souza challenged school officials who said they followed the rules.

'Heartbroken' Washington superintendent says no consequences for girls who protested transgender runner

"You don't have to wait for a license to have courage. True leadership is standing up and doing the right thing when it's uncomfortable," he said.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association said the gender identity participation policy follows state law and cannot enforce the proposed restrictions that violate the law.

Souza also hopes to support Initiative 638, which Washington voters will consider on Nov. 3. The measure prohibits biologically male students from participating in certain school sports and requires confirmation of biological sex by a health care provider.

Supporters say this protects fair competition for girls. Opponents say it would exclude transgender girls and impose new medical and privacy pressures on female athletes.

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Souza said he is informing officials about the rally and plans to hold it before the start of the session to minimize disruption to the students' competition. He said he welcomes conversations with people who disagree with his position.

He said his criticism was aimed at the adults responsible for the policy.

"It's not the boy's fault that he let this happen," Souza said. "We have to do better for our girls."

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