The New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association has changed its eligibility rules to comply with President Trump’s executive order forbidding transgender girls from playing on girls sports teams. Previously, the organization allowed athletes and their districts to decide on the matter based on the student’s gender identity. However, the NHIAA has now suspended this rule in order to avoid potential loss of federal funding for schools that do not comply with the administration’s mandate.
This decision has caused uncertainty in two school districts currently involved in a federal lawsuit challenging a state law restricting the athletic participation of transgender girls. The NHIAA has not provided specific guidance to these districts on how to navigate the federal court order and Trump’s mandate. The Kearsarge Regional School District has already reversed its policy of allowing a transgender girl to play on the girls’ soccer team in response to the new orders.
The lawsuit against Pembroke School District, Pemi-Baker Regional School District, and the state was filed in August by two athletes who argued that the state’s ban on transgender girls playing on girls’ teams violated their constitutional rights to equal protection. The students and their families have requested to expand the lawsuit to include President Trump and top members of his administration.
The NHIAA has advised member schools to seek legal counsel to understand their obligations under both state and federal law regarding transgender participation in sports. The organization’s change in rules reflects a shifting landscape for transgender athlete inclusion in New Hampshire public schools.
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