Update: League votes to approve policy. Details here →
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota’s high school sports league will soon vote on new guidelines for transgender students to participate in sports.
The Minnesota State High School League is expected to vote Thursday on the controversial policy, two months after its members first considered the proposal. An avalanche of strong reaction from both sides delayed a vote on the guidelines earlier this year.
The board met Wednesday to discuss two different drafts of the policy, reports Minnesota Public Radio.
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One requires schools to let transgender students play on the team that best aligns with their gender identity. Another version gives schools more control over that decision, but allows the league to have final say in disputes.
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Critics say opponents are perpetuating false stereotypes about transgender people, including the myth that transgender students will prey on fellow students in locker rooms, showers, restrooms, and hotel rooms.
The proposed policy is similar to ones already adopted by several other states — including Nebraska and South Dakota — but observers say opponents’ concerns haven’t materialized.
Developing story. This report will be updated.
