California Schools Exit NIAA Over Transgender Policy Conflict

Truckee and North Tahoe high schools, both located near the California-Nevada border, have announced they will leave the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) due to its new policy requiring athletes to compete based on their sex assigned at birth, which conflicts with California laws protecting gender identity and expression. The schools will join the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) starting with the 2025/2026 school year to ensure compliance with state anti-discrimination laws such as AB 1955. School officials emphasized that the decision was not made lightly but is necessary to align with California’s legal requirements. The move follows the NIAA Board of Control’s reversal of a 2014 policy that previously allowed transgender students to participate in sports teams corresponding to their gender identity. South Tahoe High School, also in California but currently participating in the NIAA, will remain for now, citing benefits for its students. The transition is being coordinated with both the NIAA and CIF to minimize disruptions for student-athletes.