I Voted No

Before I write the usual update on last night’s board meeting, I wanted to write specifically about the vote for the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) membership. This vote occurs annually for every district in Minnesota that desires to have its district participate in the MSHSL. As I understand it, this organization is the only one of its kind in MN that allows our students to participate in meaningful competitive athletics and fine arts. (https://www.mshsl.org/)

For several years, the MSHSL has had rules allowing for transgender students to participate with teams of their identified gender (opposite their biological sex), and to use locker rooms and bathrooms also relating to the opposite biological sex. The 300.00 series bylaws explain this as it pertains to student eligibility and the process suggested for transgender students and the schools in this circumstance: https://www.mshsl.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/mshsl-handbook-300-series.pdf

This is the third year that I have been on the school board and have voted on this membership. The first 2 years, I voted yes, this time I voted no. Going into this meeting, I knew the vote for membership would pass and because of this, I voted no based on principle. It is my belief that biological boys (XY) should not be participating with biological girls (XX) on a team that is for girls only and not co-ed. In addition, biological boys should not be using girls’ bathrooms or locker rooms or sharing girls’ hotel rooms if traveling. The federal Title IX rule was created specifically for the purpose of protecting girls and women in sports and it can be argued that the rules and statutes set forth by the state of MN (MN Human Rights Act) and the MSHSL violate Title IX.

This is an article about a recent lawsuit involving the MSHSL: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-transgender-lawsuit-athlete-policy-maple-grove-farmington-softball/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7e-KRSxgVl-W01n5bzWctC2GpCZzDm5quMQjl353Ws3wiLVQuOPMODWjq19Q_aem_A31ZSXCIwxTBhDUOLMLRLA

Even California is making changes: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/california-makes-rule-change-girls-track-field-championship-after-trumps-threats-over-trans-athlete

Minnesota doesn’t make it easy to determine the ruling law given recent federal executive orders, MN Statutes, MN Human Rights Act, and past and present court cases.

There were 4 main points that I tried to make last night when I spoke about my decision to vote no.

1. I recognize that MSHSL is the only organization that allows for meaningful competition in athletics and fine arts in MN and I value these activities for our students.
2. Last year, I inquired with our activities director whether or not Owatonna Public Schools has had any transgender students request to participate in activities of the opposite sex. He stated no, we have not had this circumstance yet. At last night’s meeting, our student rep stated the same.
3. As I read the 300.00 bylaws as noted above, the suggested process for a transgender student to request, appeal, and thus participate in any activity (with teammates of the opposite sex) is lengthy and not taken lightly. However, the process is suggested and not required.
4. In light of the above, and our continued membership in the MSHSL, I encouraged the board to consider a formal process or policy for working with students, families, coaches, and teammates so that when this circumstance occurs in the future, we will have a process for decision making, and ultimately protection of our girls–physical safety, emotional and mental safety, protecting their earned wins and gains through hard work, and team comradery.

Let me conclude by stating that ALL students are valued and have purpose. ALL students should have opportunities to participate in activities, athletics, and fine arts. ALL students should get the care and resources they need, whether it’s within the school walls or outside. If we are working to do “what’s best for most,” as I’ve been told, then protecting our girls needs to remain a priority. If we had an extremely talented 75-pound, 12-year-old boy playing football, we would not let him play a game with the varsity football team without having some type of rules or guidelines to keep the child safe, or he just wouldn’t be allowed to play with the varsity team.

My intention is not to take away sports and activities for our kids as I do believe that these things help our students. As Superintendent Elstad noted, we have about 2800 students that are participants. I voted no so that I can stand on the principles above, protecting our girls.

Soli Deo Gloria!