Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB377

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/11/23
• Refer: 8/11/23
• Report Pass: 10/10/23
• Refer: 10/10/23
• Engrossed: 10/12/23
• Refer: 10/13/23
• Enrolled: 3/18/24
• Vetoed: 4/2/24
• Failed: 5/15/24

Caption

Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants.

Impact

The introduction of AB 377 is set to significantly alter existing policies surrounding school sports, potentially reinforcing traditional gender roles in athletics. Proponents of the bill argue that it aims to protect female athletes by ensuring a level playing field, while critics assert that it could unfairly limit participation opportunities for transgender and non-binary students. The bill is likely to require educational institutions to amend their policies and practices regarding athletic participation, potentially leading to legal ramifications if institutions fail to comply.

Summary

Assembly Bill 377 aims to establish regulations concerning the designation of athletic sports and teams in public and private schools in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that educational institutions participating in a parental choice program must categorize their athletic teams or sports as male, female, or coed based on the sex of students, which is defined as the sex assigned at birth. This legislation is positioned as a means to ensure that athletic opportunities align with biological sex definitions, thereby prohibiting males from participating in sports designated for females.

Contention

A central point of contention regarding AB 377 is its implications for inclusivity and equality in school sports. Opponents of the bill argue that it discriminates against transgender individuals by restricting their ability to compete on teams consistent with their gender identity. This has raised concerns among various advocacy groups and some educators, who fear that the bill may undermine the principles of inclusivity and equal access to athletics. Supporters, on the other hand, maintain that the bill preserves the integrity of women's sports and provides protections for female athletes.