The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) said this week that it will continue to allow males who identify as females to participate in girls’ sports.
This comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning males from participating in female athletics.
“Therefore, 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,” Trump’s order said.
In response, the NCAA changed its policies to align with Trump’s executive action.
However, the MSHSL has taken a different approach.
“In Minnesota, participation and eligibility of transgender student-athletes is determined by state law, through the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Minnesota Constitution. The Minnesota State High School League, similar to other youth sports organizations, is subject to state anti-discrimination laws, which prohibit discrimination based on gender identity,” the league said in a letter to member schools, according to multiple reports.
“Therefore, students in Minnesota are allowed to participate consistent with their gender identity. League Member Schools have done excellent work in respecting students and their individual situations as they determine their participation and eligibility within interscholastic sports,” it added.
“The League will continue to review the existing state laws alongside the new Presidential Executive Order and its timeline, processes for states, and requirements that are included.”
Some legislators have called for changing state law in response to the MSHSL’s announcement.
Time to change Minnesota law to match what most Minnesotans want. My bill for a Women’s Bill of Rights for Minnesota will protect women in prisons, rape centers, domestic abuse shelters, and sports. CNN poll shows 79% of Americans get it! #protectwomen #titleIX #femaleathletes https://t.co/7NSjCpFtWl
— Natalie Zeleznikar (@natalieforhouse) February 7, 2025
