Initiative to ban trans kids from sports will hurt girls | Opinion

Trans sport ban would harm girls

An initiative (IL26-638 — backed by an out-of-state billionaire) could require forced invasive exams on our daughters who want to play school sports, according to the Seattle Times. This is unacceptable.

Just let that sink in for a minute. Genital exams on girls of any age who want to play sports. Boys are completely exempt from this requirement.

We all want to protect girls, but IL26-638 changes the law to require medical sex certification as part of sports physicals for all girls, and bans parents from using birth certificates instead. It could force tens of thousands of Washington girls each year to undergo invasive, embarrassing and potentially harmful genital exams.

This discouraging practice will mean more girls will miss out on the health benefits of sports, as well as learning about teamwork and cooperation. All to target and exclude a tiny number of trans girls (5-10) out of a million+ K-12 students. If we really cared about girls’ sports, we’d remove barriers for all girls, not put up more barriers and make sports less accessible.

We must protect every student from harm. Say no to hate in Washington state by voting no on IL26-638 this November. Head to NoHateinWAState.org to learn more.

Ryan Beard, Richland

Nuclear war must be avoided or else

The Tri-City Herald’s May 26 article on nuclear targets reminds readers that Washington is deeply tied to nuclear weapons systems.

But its practical message is dangerously misleading: that living east of the Cascades, sheltering in concrete, and keeping 72 hours of food and water offer meaningful protection.

They do not. Physicians for Social Responsibility and the International Committee of the Red Cross agree that no meaningful medical response to nuclear weapons use is possible.

A nuclear attack would destroy hospitals, water systems, communications and emergency services. The blast, radiation and long-term climate effects would make survival itself precarious.

The article’s guidance relies heavily on MIRA Safety, a company that sells protective equipment. Fear turned into purchasing advice is not public health. It is marketing.

Target maps are speculation, not science. The real danger is that nuclear weapons remain on launch-ready alert, where miscalculation, technical failure or flawed.

AI could trigger irreversible catastrophe.

The only real protection is prevention: no first use, renewed arms control and abolition.

Prepare for ordinary emergencies. Organize to prevent nuclear war. nwanw.org

Peter McGough, MD FAAFP

Member, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, Seattle

Pasco ignores the public’s concerns

Over public objections, the city of Pasco leadership continues their “erasure of Black history, life and opportunities.”

Most recently, city officials quietly signed long-term lease agreements with various nonprofits that undermine the multipurpose mission of the Martin L. King Jr. Community Center in East Pasco.

These agreements effectively eliminate the opportunity for multipurpose use of the Center’s spaces and public uses for meetings, events, senior activities, etc.

Many news reports and studies detail the struggles of the Black community and civil rights advocates to bring the MLK center to fruition. Thus, the center is a historical monument to the civil rights movement in Pasco and is registered, as such, with state and national historical agencies.

Nonetheless, with new signage, which some users of the MLK center refer to it as the YMCA, Head-Start building. This is subtle erasure and official contemptible action against the Black citizens of Pasco and the civil rights movement.

Obviously, Pasco’s official actions are in line with the cancellation of DEI programs, banning books, Pasco’s Charlie Kirk’s Proclamation and the MAGA agenda.

All invite immediate in-kind responses of non-violent anti-racist protests and civil disobedience to stop the erasure of Black people’s history and relevance.

Dallas Barnes, Pasco

Benton No. 4 has put lid lift on ballot

As a Captain/Paramedic with Benton County Fire District 4, I want to thank the Board of Fire Commissioners for placing a fire levy lid lift on the August ballot.

I have served with the district since 2018 and have worked in the fire service since 2007.

During that time, I have seen our community grow, emergency calls increase and the cost of providing service continue to rise. I have also seen how important adequate staffing and reliable equipment are when residents call 911 during an emergency.

Many people do not realize that fire districts are limited in how much revenue they can collect each year. As property values rise, the levy rate falls, which means the district must cover more homes, businesses and residents with less funding than voters originally approved.

The board’s decision to place this measure before voters gives the community the opportunity to decide how emergency services are funded moving forward.

The proposed lid lift would help maintain service levels, hire additional firefighters, replace aging equipment and strengthen important programs that protect our community.

I appreciate the board’s leadership and commitment to planning ahead for the safety of our community.

Garrett Premel, BCFD4 Captain/Paramedic,

West Richland

Sheriff supports Schram for post

I am writing in support of Richard Schram for Walla Walla County Sheriff. Schram has been an excellent partner since I joined the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office. Schram had recently been appointed as the chief criminal deputy, and we were both learning our positions.

Once I was elected as sheriff, Schram agreed to remain as chief criminal deputy and has been an integral part of the Sheriff’s Office success.

Schram is an FBI LEEDA Trilogy recipient, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Marine Certified, SWAT Certified and a 23-year veteran of the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office.

Schram possesses the education, training and experience to make him a great sheriff. During his tenure as the chief criminal deputy, Schram has made solid decisions based on the available facts with sound reasoning.

Schram understands the value of community and has been a strong advocate and participant in all our public outreach programs.

Based on his extensive experience Schram has been an invaluable partner in shaping the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office, and I have the utmost confidence that he will be an outstanding sheriff for Walla Walla County. I strongly urge you to join me in voting for Schram.

Sheriff Mark Crider, Walla Walla

Walla Walla can get top new sheriff

I am proud to endorse Richard Schram for Walla Walla County sheriff.

Having worked with Schram for many years, I have seen firsthand his integrity, professionalism and dedication to both his colleagues and the community. He leads with honesty, fairness and genuine care for others, always putting service above self.

As chief deputy, Schram provides guidance and support while leading by example every day. He is approachable, dependable and committed to helping those around him grow professionally, earning the respect of both peers and staff.

Schram’s commitment to the community is evident through his involvement in events such as the Superhero Run, Shop with a Cop and local high school career fairs.

He understands the importance of building trust through visibility and meaningful relationships.

He has also continued developing as a leader by attending the FBI National Academy and completing the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy program, reflecting his dedication to excellence and lifelong learning.

Richard has earned the trust and respect of the community through years of steady, selfless service. I believe he is the right choice for Sheriff and encourage voters to support him in the upcoming election.

Kevan Gifford

Patrol Sergeant, Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office