High school sports officials in Michigan have announced that they will not stop transgender athletes from competing, despite an executive order from President Trump that banned transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s athletics.
Michigan lawmakers passed a 2023 amendment to the state’s civil rights act that includes protections “against discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.” According to Bridge Michigan, the Michigan High School Athletic Association will maintain its current policy until there is more information available to understand how the executive order affects state law.
Related: Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Transgender Athletes From Girls' and Women's Sports
Currently, transgender athletes in Michigan may participate in sports on a case-by-case basis. The student applies for a waiver to start the process. Geoff Kimmerly, spokesperson for Michigan High School Athletic Association, told Bridge Michigan that there are currently two transgender student-athletes in Michigan.
According to Bridge Michigan, “Those two students will be allowed to play sports for now.”
Kimmerly said, “We’re just waiting for the next step I suppose. Obviously, there’s a conflict here, and it’s going to have to be worked out one way or another.”
Trump’s executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” orders the federal government to revoke funding from educational programs that allow transgender athletes to participate. By signing the order, Trump also made it the country’s policy, “to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.”
Some organizations, like the NCAA, have already amended its policies on transgender athlete participation. However, there are likely to be a number of challenges. Trump’s order to revoke funding could affect high schools and colleges in Michigan, but it will take time to play out.
The Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, did not comment on whether or not her office will pursue legal action over the executive order.
