A growing effort in Minnesota, initiated earlier this week, is gathering momentum among school board members advocating for the protection of women’s sports from transgender athletes. As of Friday afternoon, the number of school board signatories had risen to 245 across 104 districts, up from roughly 40 earlier in the week.
This surge in support comes just ahead of a deadline set by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), which requested changes to state policies that currently exclude biological males from competing in girls’ sports. The DOE had indicated in late September that Minnesota was in breach of Title IX with its existing regulations.
The open letter is directed to several state officials, including Minnesota Department of Education Secretary Willie Jett, Minnesota High School League Executive Director Eric Martens, Board President Brett Simek, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Governor Tim Walz has also received a copy.
In the letter, the signatories emphasize that adhering to Title IX is not just a legal requirement, but crucial for preserving the integrity of educational and athletic programs. They argue that allowing biological males to participate in women’s competitions can disadvantage female athletes by taking away opportunities and visibility in sports.
“Female students, both locally and throughout Minnesota, should have an equal chance to succeed in athletics, without the unfair advantages that biological differences might present,” the letter states.
Responding to the letter, Attorney General Ellison countered that including transgender individuals in women’s sports is harmless. He highlighted the broader benefits of school sports, asserting they foster friendships, teamwork, and essential life lessons. Ellison argued that excluding transgender athletes causes more harm and violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which protects their rights to engage in extracurricular activities.
Despite this stance, several female high school athletes in Minnesota have voiced their concerns about competing against transgender players, with some taking legal action. Three anonymous students have filed a lawsuit against the state’s Education Department, claiming they were compelled to compete against a transgender softball pitcher.
One plaintiff shared her frustrations with FOX News Digital, expressing disbelief at the unfairness of the situation. “This issue has impacted me in ways I never thought possible. It’s completely unjust,” she said, emphasizing the need for girls to have fair chances in sports.
Another athlete accused Ellison of disregarding women’s rights in his support for transgender inclusion. She described it as “upsetting” and “disgusting” to see someone in his position advocate for policies that she believes create unsafe and unfair competition.
Kendall Kotzmacher, a former player from White Bear Lake High School, expressed her emotional turmoil after losing to a transgender pitcher at the state tournament. She recounted her struggles to come to terms with losing to a biological male in a women’s competition.
If Minnesota fails to revise its sports policy by the deadline, it could face legal challenges from the Department of Justice, which has already initiated similar actions against Maine and California. The Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota High School League haven’t provided any immediate comments regarding these developments.
