Minnesota State High School League accepts transgender athlete policy
After months of debate, the Minnesota State High School League made a decision that will change the lives of many transgender athletes. The decision to let transgender students join the sports team which best fits their gender identity was passed on Dec. 4, 2014 after hours of debate. This is a step in accepting transgender students in schools and in the community. It will allow transgender students to feel more welcome in school and in sports.
 After more than 20 speakers addressed the high school league before the vote, 18 of the 20 members voted to pass the bill which will take effect during the 2015-16 school year. This decision makes Minnesota the 33rd state to accept this policy.
 Transgender students now have the option to play on the sports team they associate their gender to be, allowing all students equal opportunities to participate in school activities and sports teams.
To be eligible to participate on the team of their choice, transgender students who want to play on the team will be required to submit statements from parents or a doctor to school officials, though they do not need to show proof of sex reassignment surgery or hormone therapy.
According to Trans Student Equality Resources, 80 percent of transgender youth felt unsafe at school because of their gender expression.
This bill should be accepted by every state because all students deserve equal rights and opportunities despite their sexual orientation or their gender.
Discrimination of any person for any reason should not be tolerated and hopefully the bill passed for transgender athletes will help with acceptance of LGBT students in school and out, whether its at the mall or on the field.
Though unclear on how many transgender students will benefit from the bill, it gives transgender students a way to feel more welcome in school and in the community. Transgender students now can try out for the team they feel they should be on.
 Despite the opposition to the passing of the bill, stating that the policy will give some transgender students an unfair advantage over other team members and even potentially taking scholarships away, they ignore the reality that transgender kids have a rightful place in public schools and on sports teams.
This bill should be accepted by every state because all students deserve equal rights and opportunities despite their sexual orientation or their gender.
The bill passed by the Minnesota State High School League allows transgender students to participate on the team their gender associates with starting next school year and is a great step towards acceptance of transgender students in schools and the community.
Stephanie Nielsen is the Fashion Blog photographer for the Pony Express Newspaper and is also a member of SAHS's Varsity Orchestra. She enjoys hanging...
Joe Price • Feb 18, 2015 at 9:39 am
Although the article is short, it does a great job in talking and informing about such a sensitive topic. The graphic is great too.
Ty • Feb 18, 2015 at 7:36 am
I think that this article is perfectly written and really shows that people are fighting for equality among all people, not just some people. I really like the fact that it passed because this is a huge breakthrough in rights for the LGBT community.
Sam Hudachek • Feb 18, 2015 at 7:35 am
I liked this article! You clearly stated what you agree with and why someone might oppose it! That makes a good opinion article!
Dennis Toenjes • Feb 18, 2015 at 4:53 am
The article had great outside information regarding the issue such as statistics adn quotes which added a lot to the topic. Your word choice and flow of the article are thought through and make the article easy and interesting to read.
Jake Simcik • Feb 17, 2015 at 10:32 pm
This article does a really good job with a really hard topic. It got a lot of information across, gave a small point of view from both sides ,and focused on the facts. This article was informative but did not push readers in any direction.
Braden Cousineau • Feb 17, 2015 at 10:08 pm
I think that is is great that gender equality is a hot topic for the MSHSL. With the way that today’s society is moving I think that it is important that we recognize all gender identifications. I really liked the infographic by Anna Craggs!
Joel Lange • Feb 17, 2015 at 8:54 pm
The article captures the issue at hand and the glory of the school decision. The fact quote formula was executed well, and there were no useless sentences.
Anna Craggs • Feb 17, 2015 at 9:56 am
Well written article Steph! This is a very informative article. I feel that a lot of people don’t know about transgender students and how they feel. It’s important that they submit statements to show proof.