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Illinois has recently joined the ranks of blue states affirming the rights of transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports, amid a growing political debate on the subject. Republican lawmakers in the state are actively trying to reverse this policy.
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has declared its intent to disregard an executive order from former President Donald Trump that sought to restrict transgender athletes’ participation in girls’ and women’s sports.
In a public communication to Republican legislators in Illinois, the IHSA referenced legal opinions from the Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Department of Human Rights, which assert that state law mandates the inclusion of transgender athletes based on their gender identity.
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In its approach, Illinois mirrors tactics employed by Maine, which is also engaged in a contentious struggle with the Trump administration over the inclusion of transgender individuals in girls’ sports, citing state human rights legislation that opposes such bans.
IHSA Board President Dan Tully emphasized in his letter that adhering to the executive order could lead to conflicts with the Illinois Human Rights Act. He articulated that the IHSA is caught in a “difficult position” as it seeks legal clarification amid conflicting guidance from state and federal entities.
“There is a growing narrative seeking to politicize the IHSA’s response. However, we are seeking clarity on conflicting state and federal law to ensure compliance,” stated an IHSA representative.
Following Trump’s executive order, members of the Illinois GOP reached out to the IHSA earlier this year to inquire about potential changes to its policies. Illinois has allowed transgender athletes to participate in girls’ sports since 2011.
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Several notable Republican lawmakers in Illinois have voiced their criticisms of the IHSA’s latest announcement. Representative Blaine Wilhour, who was instrumental in prompting the initial contact with the IHSA regarding this matter, called on school districts across the state to adopt local measures prohibiting transgender participation in girls’ sports.
“It is crucial for school districts to affirm their commitment to protecting the integrity of girls’ sports, asserting local control in these decisions,” Wilhour stated. “I urge all local districts to take this stand because when it comes to these issues, we ultimately prevail, but we need leaders who will boldly advocate for what is right.”
Wilhour expressed discontent with Governor JB Pritzker and the Democratic majority in the Illinois legislature for supporting laws that facilitate the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls’ sports. He also urged the Trump administration to take action, suggesting a reduction in federal funding as a possible response.
“This entire policy is misguided. It comes down to whether or not you advocate for fair competition. The current Democratic leadership, specifically JB Pritzker, seems to prioritize a progressive ideology over the rights of female athletes,” Wilhour argued.
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Wilhour indicated that the Trump administration needs to intervene and leverage its influence over federal funding to address these concerns. He highlighted that Illinois receives significant federal support and that the potential withholding of funds could have severe implications.
He also encouraged the IHSA to assert its authority by implementing its own ban on transgender athletes participating in girls’ sports, despite state directives.
Meanwhile, Maine has already experienced intervention both at the local and federal levels. Recently, a school district in Maine chose to enforce a ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports in compliance with Trump’s executive order, contravening state law. This district has also faced repercussions, including funding cuts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a lawsuit from the Department of Justice.
In Illinois, a Title IX investigation was initiated following a complaint from a Deerfield mother who alleged that her daughter was compelled to change clothes in front of a transgender student. This incident has drawn attention to the ongoing debates surrounding inclusivity and rights in school sports.
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Deerfield Public Schools District 109 is currently under scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, following complaints filed by Nicole Georgas. She reported that school officials attempted to require her 13-year-old daughter to use the locker room in the presence of a biological male.
During a recent school board meeting, Georgas elaborated on her complaint, sharing her daughter’s discomfort and refusal to change in the locker room under those circumstances.
In response, Deerfield Public Schools asserted that it adheres to state law, which prohibits discrimination based on sex or gender identity, thereby allowing students to access facilities that align with their gender identity.
The district also encouraged families to express their concerns in a constructive manner. “We are committed to following the law, and we are open to engaging with families to address individual concerns and ensure our students’ wellbeing and right to participate are upheld,” the statement concluded.
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