Frances Staudt
Frances Staudt, a high school basketball player from Tumwater, Washington, sat out her final sophomore game in February 2024 rather than compete against an opposing team that included an 18-year-old transgender female athlete (Andi Rooks). The Incident: On February 6, 2024, 15-year-old Staudt and her teammate sat out their final game of the season against Shelton High School after seeing a biological male player on the opposing team and in the locker room area. [ 1 , 2 ] The Confrontation: Staudt stated she told the player, “You’re a man,” as she exited the situation. [ 1 , 2 ] The Investigation & Charges: Staudt and her family faced an investigation by the Tumwater School District and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). She was accused of bullying, harassment, intimidation, and "misgendering". [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] School & State Policy: School officials and the athletic director declined to remove the player, citing Washington stat...