SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It has been one month since the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) voted to reverse its 2014 policy that allowed transgender students in high schools to play for teams that align with their gender identity. They created a new policy that states that it is only sex, not gender identity or expression, that can “be considered a relevant characteristic for eligibility on a girls’ or women’s team or sanctioned sport.”

Since California schools near the border at Lake Tahoe play in the NIAA and under its rules, it would mean violating the California law that says public schools are required to allow students to participate in sports and other school activities based on their gender identity.

Both Truckee High School and North Tahoe High School will now participate in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). Both schools have been leaders in Division 3A and 2A, respectively, in the NIAA, winning several state championships. They will start in the CIF at the end of the current spring sports season.

South Tahoe High School participates in the NIAA and will continue to do so for the time being.

“At this time, we will stay with the NIAA because it is more beneficial for our students,” said Teresa Schow, the public information officer for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

In February, President Trump signed an executive order, stating, “It is the policy of the United States to rescind all funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities, which results in the endangerment, humiliation, and silencing of women and girls and deprives them of privacy.  It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.

In March, Congressman Kevin Kiley sent a letter to CIF Executive Director Ron Nocett, demanding answers as to “why the CIF continues to defy federal law by allowing biological males to compete in female athletics.”

California law [Education Code section 221.5. (f)] permits students to participate in school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, consistent with the student’s gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the student’s records.

More details of the transition for Truckee and North Tahoe High will be released in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, the TTUSD superintendent sent this email to parents and students:

Dear TTUSD Students and Families,

I’m writing to share an important update regarding our high school interscholastic athletics program. Effective with the start of the 2025/2026 school year, TTUSD High Schools will transition our interscholastic athletics affiliation from the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

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. 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.

Our focus moving forward is to ensure our student-athletes can continue to participate in robust and competitive interscholastic programs within CIF. We understand this transition may raise questions, and our dedicated team of athletic directors, coaches, nurses, and district staff is working diligently to address any potential impacts on schedules, travel, and eligibility.

We are working closely with the NIAA and CIF for a smooth transition and will share updates as details are finalized. An FAQ will be posted on our website soon, and a community update will be provided on May 16th. We are committed to keeping you informed during this process.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through this change. We are dedicated to continuing to provide a wonderful athletic experience for our students while also complying with state laws and requirements.

Sincerely,

Kerstin Kramer

TTUSD Superintendent Chief Learning Officer