Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF724

Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

Participation in athletic teams provision

Impact

If enacted, SF724 would amend Minnesota Statutes, specifically section 121A.04, to explicitly forbid public schools from letting individuals of the male sex to join teams designated for females unless separate teams are established. This change would enforce a more structured approach to athletics, aiming to accommodate students' interests and ensure equitable participation opportunities across genders. Advocates see this as a significant step toward eliminating disparities in school sports participation, while maintaining compliance with Federal regulations around Title IX.

Summary

Senate File 724 is a legislative proposal aimed at ensuring gender equality in school sports programs in Minnesota. The bill mandates that educational institutions providing sports programs must offer separate teams for students of a gender that has been historically underrepresented in athletics. This provision is applicable to both public elementary and secondary schools, as well as schools that are part of the Minnesota State High School League. The intention behind this legislation is to provide an equal opportunity for participation in sports for all genders, particularly for those whose athletic opportunities have been previously limited.

Contention

The bill has generated notable discussion among lawmakers and educational advocates, particularly regarding the implications for transgender athletes. Proponents argue that the bill protects the rights of female athletes and ensures that their opportunities are safeguarded in competitive sports. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that it may inadvertently marginalize transgender individuals and students who identify differently from traditional binary classifications. This has led to a broader dialogue about inclusivity and the evolving definitions of gender in the context of school athletics.

Companion Bills

MN HF1086

Similar To Education; participation in athletic teams provided.

Previously Filed As

MN HF1086

Education; participation in athletic teams provided.

MN SF2294

Male participation in female athletics restriction provision, male access to female changing facilities restriction provision, and criminal penalties provision

MN SF934

Male student participation in female athletics restriction; male access to female changing facilities restriction; criminal establishment

MN SF206

Equal access provision to school athletic teams and facilities

MN SF2531

Female sports team participation restricted to the female sex provision

MN SB649

Relating to participation in athletic activities based on biological sex; providing a civil right to action for K-12 athletes and college athletes.

MN SF802

Student physical privacy provision

MN SB112

Revises provisions relating to athletics. (BDR 34-36)

MN HF551

Female sports team participation restricted to female sex.

MN AB240

Revises provisions relating to athletics. (BDR 34-179)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.