Transgender Student Athletes Targeted by Discriminatory Sports Ban
Michigan State Senators Introduce Bill Barring Transgender Student Athletes
from Participating in School Sports
KALAMAZOO, MI March 10, 2021 – Today, thirteen Republican state senators introduced Senate Bill No. 218 to the Michigan Legislature in an effort to bar transgender student athletes from participating in school sports. This harmful legislation represents a misguided and mean-spirited attack on some of the most vulnerable youth in our state.
A number of states have proposed legislation that would restrict transgender student-athletes from participating in school sports. They are often based on inaccurate stereotypes about biology, athleticism and gender. It is a myth that young girls are being forced to compete with biological males for athletic opportunities.
“There is no reasonable justification for banning transgender students from participating in athletics,” said Amy Hunter, Executive Director of OutFront Kalamazoo. “Transgender women are women. Transgender men are men. Trans student athletes are student athletes. Denying these young people access to school sports can compromise their health, social and emotional development, and safety. This bill sends a dangerous message to transgender students (and their antagonists) at a time when trans teens already face discrimination, bullying and violence in our state.”
The marginalization of transgender student athletes is rooted in the same kind of gender discrimination and stereotyping that has held back cisgender women athletes for generations. Transgender students, like cisgender students, vary in terms of athletic ability and there is no evidence that trans students have a competitive advantage.
If passed, this legislation would be in violation of Title IX, the federal civil rights law that bars discrimination against transgender students in education and educational activities. An Idaho law, similar to the bill introduced in the Michigan Senate, has already been struck down by a federal court as unconstitutional.
“Even if this legislation has little chance of passage, it has a destructive effect and can invite attacks on individual students” said Hunter. “Our schools should provide safe and supportive learning environments. Transgender students have the right to participate in sports consistent with who they are, just like anyone. Denying this right is discrimination.”
OutFront Kalamazoo is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.
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