House Republicans are exerting pressure on the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to align with President Donald Trump’s executive order, which bans men from participating in women’s sports.
The House approved House Resolution 40, urging the MHSAA to adopt the federal directive.
“The National Collegiate Athletic Association complied immediately, so why is Michigan delaying,” Republican State Representative Jaime Greene of Richmond questioned.
Several Democrats joined Republicans to approve the resolution.
State Representative Noah Arbit of West Bloomfield criticized HR 40.
“The message has been sent that certain people, Republicans frankly, only stand up for certain kinds of people, and are willing to make life harder and put a target on the backs of other kinds of people,” he said.
In response, the MHSAA issued a statement affirming its commitment to adhering to all applicable state and federal laws.
“We are monitoring developments in this regard closely, including federal litigation challenging the recent Executive Order and potential changes to state law that have been introduced in the Michigan legislature,” the statement read. “Until those matters are resolved, the MHSAA is not in a position to change its current rules or policies.”
Previous coverage: How Michigan high school athletics are handling Trump’s transgender athlete ban
The new legislative session has seen the introduction of two bills by House Republicans concerning the participation of biological males in girls’ sports.
House bills 4031 and 4066 remain in committee.
“We are being asked to stand up and fight. What are you doing for our daughters and granddaughters? This is important,” Republican State Representative Alicia St. Germaine of Harrison Township said.
Arbit believes Republicans are using the transgender issue as a distraction.
“They have no plan or agenda on all the things that keep Michiganders up at night,” he said.
Equality Michigan Action Network Executive Director Erin Knott argues the MHSAA already has rules in place and doesn’t need lawmakers overriding their expertise.
“Just one week ago, we saw Republicans trying to take away free meals for students across our state, and now they are trying to distract us by scoring cheap political points attacking trans youth and their families. And the Democratic lawmakers who supported this resolution have crossed a dangerous line,” Knott said in a statement.
For the 2024-2025 school year, MHSAA said last month granted only two waivers for transgender girls. There are more than 170,000 student-athletes competing at member schools, the athletic association said.
Michigan GOP pushes MHSAA on gender rules compliance
