Wisconsin Senate Bill SB377

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/9/23
• Refer: 8/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants.

Impact

The passage of SB377 would solidify state laws regarding athletic participation and potentially impact Title IX protections in sports across educational institutions within Wisconsin. By explicitly prohibiting male students from participating on teams designated for females, the bill seeks to maintain what its supporters consider to be the integrity of women's sports. The legal amendments proposed in the bill not only reinforce the exclusion of trans women from women’s teams but might also lay a foundation for legal battles that could arise from its enforcement.

Summary

Senate Bill 377 introduces specific requirements for the designation of intercollegiate, intramural, and club athletic teams at University of Wisconsin institutions and technical colleges based on the sex of participating students. The bill categorizes sports into three distinct groups: male, female, or coed, asserting that the designation of 'sex' is defined by the sex identified at birth on a birth certificate. This legislation aims to clarify and formalize how athletic teams operate in relation to student participation based on their biological sex.

Contention

There are considerable points of contention surrounding this bill. Proponents argue that SB377 is necessary for protecting opportunities for female athletes in a sports landscape they believe is increasingly influenced by changes in gender identity. Meanwhile, critics assert that the bill is discriminatory and undermines inclusivity, harming the rights of transgender and non-binary student athletes. The emotional and social implications of such exclusions in a collegiate athletic environment raise heated debates among lawmakers, educational institutions, and advocacy groups.