On March 20, opponents of equality filed a lawsuit against a number of entities in Minnesota challenging our state’s more than decade-old policy allowing transgender youth to fully participate in athletics.

 

This lawsuit reflects a climate fueled by recent executive orders and policy changes at the federal level that seek to undermine the rights of transgender people.

 

Minnesota law is clear: denying transgender students the right to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity constitutes unlawful discrimination. The Minnesota Human Rights Act has explicitly prohibited discrimination based on gender identity in educational settings since 1993. Attorney General Ellison reaffirmed this in an Advisory Opinion issued on February 20, 2025, stating, “based on the plain language of the statute, educational institutions and the [Minnesota State High School League] would violate the [Minnesota Human Rights Act] by prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in extracurricular activities according to their gender identity.”

 

Moreover, despite the claims in this suit, we believe in a Title IX that protects and includes all of us.

 

Instead of dividing teams and communities, we should be working to build a culture of mutual respect, support, and excellence, where every athlete is valued for their dedication and talent.

 

OutFront Minnesota stands by our state’s inclusive policies and by all the athletes who take part in sports across the state at every level of play. Transgender youth belong on the field, in the classroom, and in every part of our communities.

 

Let kids play.