Minnesota mulls allowing trans students to choose sports teams based on gender identity
The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) is in the process of drafting a controversial athletic policy that would allow transgender students to play on either boys' or girls' sports teams, depending on which gender they identify with and regardless of their biological sex.
The MSHSL, which decides policy for all extracurricular activities in public, private, religious, and home schools, says the policy would allow "participation for all students regardless of their gender identity or expression." The league continues:
This policy is designed to guide member school personnel as they create an environment free from discrimination and provide an equal opportunity for participation in athletics in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations. [MSHSL]
While supporters say that the policy is about leveling the playing field to allow transgender students the same opportunities as cisgender students, the MSHSL has faced heavy opposition from conservative groups. The Child Protection League Action, for example, ran ads suggesting that the new policy could force invasions of privacy by allowing for co-ed locker room situations.
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According to the Federalist, Minnesotans sent more than 10,000 protest emails to MSHSL, forcing the organization to table the decision until December 4.
