Darby Kaikkonen, a former senior official in the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was terminated for voting to preserve fairness in girls’ sports. Kaikkonen served as Director of Student Information at OSPI and is currently an elected member of the Tumwater School Board.
The lawsuit stems from a February 27, 2025, school board vote in which Kaikkonen supported a resolution backing two amendments to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). These amendments proposed creating an “Open” category for all students while maintaining the “Girls” category exclusively for biological females. The vote, taken during a public meeting, responded to concerns from Kaikkonen’s constituents over fairness and safety in female athletics.
Kaikkonen was placed on administrative leave within two weeks of the vote and formally terminated on March 19, without warning, cause, or prior disciplinary action. The timing coincided with a request for spousal leave as her husband prepared for military deployment. Her federal lawsuit names the State of Washington, OSPI, and Superintendent Chris Reykdal, alleging First and Fourteenth Amendment violations, wrongful termination, and emotional distress.
The lawsuit argues that Kaikkonen’s termination was retaliation for protected political speech and advocacy on behalf of girls in sports. The issue has gained renewed attention following a recent controversy in which a biological male athlete, Veronica Garcia, won the girls’ 400-meter title at the 2A State Championships. Girls from Tumwater High protested by wearing “Keep Women’s Sports Female” shirts at the event.
Superintendent Reykdal, who opposed the WIAA amendments, threatened legal action if they passed, claiming they violated state anti-discrimination laws. Both proposals were defeated, one by a single vote. Reykdal, already under federal investigation for separate Title IX and FERPA violations, later blamed President Trump for making the issue national.
