Rep. Ellison Statement on Minnesota High School League Decision on Trans Athletes

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today after the Minnesota High School League approved a policy giving transgender student athletes the right to play on the sports teams that match their gender identity.

"I applaud the Minnesota High School League's decision to pass a proposal that tells trans students in our community their identities matter just as much as everyone else's. At a time when so many transgender students are bullied and harassed in the schoolyard, the MSHSL's decision recognizes their dignity and humanity on and off the playing field. All trans students are asking for is to be treated as human beings and I stand with them.

"Too often when trans kids speak out, they're told that they're sick, or joking, or just plain wrong. Many of the people who opposed the MSHSL's policy suggested that trans students might threaten other students' safety. These depictions are bigoted and do not protect our students.

"Minnesotans believe every person should be safe in our community. Our state is big enough for all of us to honestly express ourselves."

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