In a closed-door special meeting, the Seattle Public Schools Board authorized the district to secure legal counsel and pursue legal action if needed over Initiative 638, the statewide ballot measure banning transgender girls from girls' sports.

The board said its resolution reaffirms a commitment to schools that are safe, inclusive, affirming and supportive for all children. It also argues that the initiative would apply only to girls' athletics and could subject girls to added scrutiny, verification and privacy intrusions not imposed on boys, while creating legal, financial and administrative burdens for public schools.

Board President Gina Topp said the district has a responsibility to uphold the law and protect students and families, and that conflicts between the initiative and existing legal protections may need to be resolved by the courts. Board member-at-large Joe Mizrahi said the district does not see a way to implement the measure without colliding with current protections around student privacy, equal access to educational opportunities and fair treatment.

The board had already adopted a September resolution opposing I-638. The new action keeps that stance in place while giving the district authority to move ahead with legal representation and possible litigation.

Statewide returns showed the measure passing with 56 percent support, while King County voted against it, with 58 percent opposed.