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EXCLUSIVE: Representative Mary Miller, a Republican from Illinois, has urged federal authorities to investigate her state’s handling of transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
In a letter addressed to the Departments of Education and Justice, Miller expressed her concerns after the Illinois High School Association, known as IHSA, announced it would continue permitting transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports. This decision has sparked considerable debate regarding gender identity and fairness in athletics.
“I am writing to express my deep concern regarding a recent decision by the Illinois High School Association, which has chosen to blatantly disregard federal law and reject basic biological reality by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ athletic programs,” Miller stated. She emphasized that this policy undermines the integrity of girls’ sports and compromises the safety of young women across the state.
Miller went on to implore both agencies to act decisively. She said, “I respectfully urge the Department of Justice and the Department of Education to investigate the actions of IHSA and the State of Illinois and take appropriate measures to ensure that federal civil rights protections are upheld.”
Her statements follow developments in a larger national debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports. The issue has polarized opinions, especially among parents and athletes.
Miller provided further insights in a statement to Fox News Digital, where she also criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. She asserted, “I’m calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary Linda McMahon to launch an immediate investigation into the IHSA and the State of Illinois.” She accused Pritzker and other Illinois Democrats of enforcing policies that undermine fair competition and sideline the safety of daughters involved in sports.
Since 2011, Illinois has allowed transgender athletes to compete in alignment with their gender identity. This policy has become increasingly contentious, especially in light of President Trump’s recent executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” This directive has prompted several states, including Illinois, to reassess their policies.
In a letter responding to inquiries from state GOP lawmakers, the IHSA pointed out that Illinois law, as interpreted by Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Human Rights, mandates the inclusion of transgender athletes in school sports based on gender identity. The IHSA highlighted that state law serves as an obstacle to any attempt to restrict participation based on sexual and gender identity.
This back-and-forth reveals the growing conflict between state policies and federal directives regarding transgender rights in sports.
“The Illinois High School Association has crossed a dangerous line. By blatantly violating federal law and rejecting biological reality, they are not only undermining fairness in girls’ sports – they’re putting the safety of young women at risk,” Miller articulated further in her discussion with Fox News Digital.
A separate federal Title IX investigation is already underway in Illinois, related to complaints from a mother in Deerfield, who alleged that her daughter faced uncomfortable situations when required to change clothing in front of a transgender student. This investigation is conducted by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights.
The concerned mother, Nicole Georgas, has voiced her apprehension regarding how the policy might affect her daughter’s athletic prospects. She articulated the frustrations of parents whose daughters have invested significant time and effort into their sports. She said, “Imagine your daughter, dedicating her life, training for years, hours and hours a week, for her championship state race, only to face a male beating her to win that coveted scholarship. How is that at all fair?”
The Deerfield Public Schools District 109 responded to the investigation by asserting its adherence to state law. The district cited the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex and mandates equitable access to facilities according to one’s gender identity.
The discourse surrounding transgender athletes in sports has also drawn attention from other states. For instance, Maine has experienced federal intervention similar to what Miller has called for. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cut funding to Maine due to its non-compliance with federal policies concerning transgender athletes, leading to a lawsuit from the state against the Trump administration.
A recent survey conducted by The New York Times and Ipsos revealed that a significant portion of the American populace, including many Democrats, opposes the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. The survey found that 79% of respondents believe biological males should not compete in women’s sports, a sentiment shared by 67% of Democrats surveyed.
This ongoing national debate highlights the complexities surrounding issues of gender identity, fairness, and safety within the realm of sports. As calls for federal investigations into state policies continue, the implications for young athletes and their future in competitive sports remain a pivotal concern.
The discussions surrounding this topic promise to evolve as lawmakers and the community at large navigate the intersection of state policies, federal law, and societal values. Stay informed on this critical issue as it unfolds.
