Anoka Times

State Representative Peggy Scott (R-Andover), who authored the Preserving Girls Sports Act in the Minnesota House, responded to a recent federal finding that Minnesota violated Title IX by allowing male athletes to compete in girls’ sports.

“This state has seen repeated incidents of biological males competing in girls’ sports, to the detriment of our female athletes,” Scott said.

A joint federal investigation found that over several years, both the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) permitted male athletes to participate on teams designated for girls. These teams included Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, and fastpitch softball. The report also noted that male athletes were allowed access to facilities intended for female students.

Scott’s proposed legislation was referenced in the federal report. The act “would have amended Minnesota state law to prevent males from participating in athletic programs designated for girls.”

The bill specifies that only students identified as female may join elementary or secondary school athletic teams or sports restricted by sex. In cases of dispute regarding a student’s sex, the proposal requires a physician’s statement confirming sex based on anatomy, testosterone levels, and chromosome analysis.

Federal authorities gave MDE and MSHSL 10 days to address their Title IX violations or face enforcement action.