Illinois defies Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports

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Illinois High School Association Challenges Trump Administration on Transgender Athlete Ban

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is challenging a directive from President Donald Trump that seeks to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. This decision places Illinois at the forefront of a growing conflict between state and federal policies regarding transgender rights in athletics.

IHSA Declares Non-Compliance with Federal Order

President Trump recently issued an executive order aimed at altering national transgender policies, including prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. However, the IHSA has announced it will not adhere to this mandate. This stance aligns Illinois with other states opposing the federal government’s position, drawing parallels to an ongoing legal dispute between the Trump administration and the state of Maine over a similar matter.

Legal and Human Rights Concerns

In a public communication to Republican legislators in Illinois, IHSA President Dan Tully articulated that complying with the Trump administration’s order could potentially violate the Illinois Human Rights Act. According to Tully, the Act mandates that transgender athletes be allowed to engage in events and programs that correspond with their self-identified gender.

“The Illinois Human Rights Act requires that transgender athletes be permitted to participate in events and programs aligning with the gender they identify,” Tully stated in his letter.

The IHSA encompasses 809 member schools throughout Illinois and operates independently of state or federal funding.

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The association revealed it consulted with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Human Rights for guidance on this matter.

Call for Collaboration and Clear Guidelines

The IHSA is urging state lawmakers to work in conjunction with the Trump administration to establish explicit guidelines. This collaborative approach aims to resolve policy conflicts and ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations concerning transgender athletes.

Participation of Transgender Students in Illinois Sports

During the 2023-2024 academic year, two transgender male students participated in girls’ sports within Illinois high schools.

Currently, for the ongoing academic year, three transgender male students are competing in girls’ divisions across various sports, including tennis, track and field, and soccer.

Tully’s letter emphasized that the IHSA‘s primary objective is to uphold the law, asserting neutrality regarding the conflicting federal and state positions and the possibility of reconciling them.

Republican Opposition and Funding Concerns

Republicans have voiced strong opposition to the IHSA‘s decision. Representative Blaine Wilhour has publicly called for the Trump administration to withhold federal funding from the state until lawmakers align with the federal directive.

“The whole policy is sick,” Wilhour stated in an interview with Fox News.

“Either you believe in fair competition or you don’t. The Democrat Party today… does not believe in fair competition. They prioritize their woke ideology over protecting girls in sports,” Wilhour asserted.

He further suggested, “[The Trump administration is] going to have to engage here, and the leverage that they’ve got is federal funding.”

“We take millions in federal funding from the government every year. And we don’t really savor the situation where that would be withheld. But I’ll take my chances with doing the right thing,” Wilhour continued.

“Banning boys from participating in girls sports is the right thing to do, so we need to do the tough things to make it happen,” he concluded.

Illinois’ Stance on Gender Identity and Sports

Illinois maintains that state law mandates affording transgender athletes the right to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity. This policy has been in effect since 2011.

The IHSA website clarifies that eligibility for transgender athletes is determined individually, considering several factors.

One key consideration is whether the athlete’s gender identity is genuine and not intended to gain an unfair competitive edge.

Maine’s Legal Battle and Title IX

The state of Maine has adopted a similar defensive posture, leading to a lawsuit from the Trump administration against state officials.

This legal action follows escalating tensions between the Republican administration and Democratic Governor Janet Mills, including threats of federal funding cuts and a confrontation at the White House where Governor Mills reportedly told President Trump, “We’ll see you in court.”

President Trump contends that Maine’s education authority is violating Title IX, the federal anti-discrimination law, by permitting transgender girls to compete on girls’ sports teams.

The Justice Department is seeking a court order compelling the state to instruct all schools to prohibit males from participating in athletic competitions designated for females.

Attorney General Pam Bondi articulated the administration’s position clearly, stating, “Pretty simple: girls play in girls’ sports, boys play in boys’ sports. Men play in men’s sports, women play in women’s sports.”

“President Trump, before he was elected, this has been a huge issue for him,” Bondi added.

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