Wisconsin Joins Ranks of States Restricting Transgender Athlete Participation
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has joined the growing number of state sports organizations implementing policies that prohibit transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order mandating that only athletes designated as female at birth are eligible for female athletic competitions.
WIAA’s Updated Policy
On Wednesday, the WIAA Board of Control updated its policies to align with federal directives, stating that only students designated as females at birth may participate in girls’ competitions. This policy change was made after consultation with legal counsel to ensure clarity and compliance with federal guidance.
Wisconsin’s History with Transgender Athlete Participation
Since 2013, Wisconsin had allowed transgender athletes to participate in girls’ sports. However, in April 2021, Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill that would have prohibited transgender athletes from competing on girls’ high school sports teams. At the time, Evers stated that he would veto any legislation that harmed LGBTQ individuals and children’s mental health.
National Trend Towards Restricting Transgender Athlete Participation
Wisconsin’s decision to implement restrictions on transgender athlete participation is part of a larger trend across the United States. As of writing, 25 states have laws in place to prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports, and several others have updated their policies following Trump’s executive order.
Bipartisan Opposition to Transgender Inclusion
Opposition to transgender inclusion in sports has gained bipartisan support in recent years. A New York Times/Ipsos survey conducted in 2021 found that 79% of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, believe that biological males who identify as women should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports.
Blue States Defy Trump’s Order
Despite the growing trend towards restrictions, some blue states have refused to comply with Trump’s executive order and continue to allow trans athletes to compete with girls. California, Minnesota, and Maine are among the most prominent states that have openly defied the federal directive.
Federal Funding at Risk
States that refuse to comply with Trump’s order risk losing federal funding. California and Minnesota are currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for potential Title IX violations related to their defiance of the order.
Future Implications
The WIAA’s decision to restrict transgender athlete participation is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of young transgender athletes in Wisconsin. It remains to be seen how the courts will interpret Trump’s executive order and whether it will result in widespread legal challenges. The issue of transgender athlete participation is a complex one with no easy answers, and it will likely continue to be a source of debate in the years to come.
