Minnesota schools are up against a deadline set by the U.S. Department of Education to revise their policies regarding transgender athletes. As the deadline nears, over 40 school board members from various districts are voicing their support for compliance with these federal guidelines.
This week, those board members sent a letter to state authorities in St. Paul, including Education Commissioner Willie Jett, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Eric Martens, the Executive Director of the Minnesota High School League. They urged these leaders to align with the stance of President Donald Trump’s administration on this matter.
Lisa Atkinson, a member of the Prior Lake Savage Regional School Board, raised a crucial question: “How do we protect every student in our district? Whether in locker rooms or on playgrounds,” she wrote. “We can’t afford to lose funding. That’s super important to us. It’s a chance for the state to implement policies that truly safeguard all students.”
Board members emphasized their worries that potential cuts to federal funding could negatively affect educational programs and extracurricular activities for over 875,000 students in Minnesota.
Trump’s executive order from February 5 specifies that schools permitting biological males to compete in women’s sports risk losing federal funding.
In response to the letter, Ellison—an advocate for transgender athletes—acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the values of school sports. He stated, “They’re more than just a way to exercise; they foster friendships and teach vital lessons about teamwork and respect.” He further argued that permitting a limited number of transgender students to participate in sports does not harm anyone and noted that their exclusion infringes on the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Ellison expressed his commitment to combat both the federal government’s threats and the potential funding cuts, stating, “I’m fighting to protect the rights and freedoms of all Minnesota students.”
On a related note, some female athletes are also advocating for changes in state policies. Three female softball players have reportedly filed a lawsuit against state officials, claiming they had to compete against a transgender pitcher last season, who played for Champlin Park High School and contributed to their state championship.
One anonymous player expressed her frustration, saying, “It’s concerning that the rights of girls aren’t taken seriously. Allowing boys to compete with girls is unsafe and unfair.” Similarly, Kendall Kotzmacher, a former player from White Bear Lake High School, openly criticized the state’s decision, especially given Governor Tim Walz’s experience coaching male athletes.
Earlier this year, a legislative effort to pass the Women’s Sports Preservation Act—aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports—fell short, missing the necessary votes to reach the governor. Meanwhile, state Rep. Leish Kozlovsky, who identifies as non-binary, labeled the bill as “state-sanctioned bullying and genocide.”
