Minnesota education leaders call for compliance with federal transgender sports policy
The Minnesota Department of Education has faced mounting pressure from school boards and educators over the past week, as the Trump administration’s regulatory changes on transgender athlete policies loom closer to a deadline. Over 40 school districts have publicly endorsed the federal directive, expressing concerns over potential funding cuts in the aftermath of non-compliance. Education Commissioner Willie Jett, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and the Minnesota State High School League’s executive director Erich Martens were called upon to reconsider and align with the federal mandate. The deadline for compliance was set for Friday, adding urgency to the situation.
As the deadline approaches, school board members have emphasized the risk of losing critical federal funding that supports over 875,000 students across the state. These funds are essential for maintaining school programs, extracurricular activities, and resources for students. Lisa Atkinson, a member of the Prior Lake Savage Area Schools Board, noted that schools are now under pressure to address the issue while ensuring the protection of students in all settings, whether in locker rooms or on the playing field.
Education officials such as Keith Ellison have voiced their support for transgender athletes’ inclusion in girls’ sports while also expressing concerns over the potential financial repercussions. Ellison, known for his advocacy for trans athletes, stated that excluding transgender students from sports would be a violation of Minnesota’s Human Rights Act. He has also filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its Title IX enforcement policies, arguing that the federal government’s threats violate the U.S. Constitution, Minnesota law, and Title IX itself.
This situation has spurred further action from student athletes, including anonymous reports of girls’ sports teams facing challenges due to competition with trans athletes. Three anonymous female softball players have filed a lawsuit, highlighting the unfair advantages they perceive from trans pitchers like Marissa Rothenberger, who led her high school team to a state championship. The issue has also sparked public statements from athletes such as former White Bear Lake High School player Kendall Kotzmacher, who has criticized the state and Governor Tim Walz for allowing male athletes to compete in girls’ sports.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota legislature failed to pass the “Preserving Girls’ Sports Act,” a bill that would have banned trans athletes from girls’ sports. The bill was rejected by a single vote in March. Rep. Liish Kozlowski, who identifies as non-binary, criticized the bill as an example of state-sanctioned bullying and a threat to student rights.