Today, the 3rd District Court issued a preliminary injunction on H.B. 11 Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Activities to stay the ban on biological males competing in biological female K-12 sports. The seven-member School Activity Eligibility Commission will now go into effect to determine transgender participation in K-12 gender-designated school sports.
“Utah had the foresight to create a first-of-its-kind solution, a data-driven commission that will help ensure female athletes can continue to compete in a fair environment,” said President J. Stuart Adams. “With the commission, we are aiming to protect equitable and safe competition while preserving the integrity of women’s sports. The commission will be constituted in the coming weeks.”
“It’s imperative that we protect women’s sports and uphold Title IX. For decades, women have fought to have equal opportunities in athletics, and fair opportunities are worth protecting,” said Sen. Curt Bramble, sponsor of H.B. 11. “The commission makes it possible to preserve women’s sports while making evidence-based decisions on a case-by-case basis. Though some may disagree with this approach, it is the best path forward to protect female sports while considering the needs of all students.”
“Female athletes should not have to worry that they will be eliminated from future athletic opportunities because of biological differences,” said Sen. Dan McCay, H.B. 11 substitute sponsor. “Though the court chose to stay the ban, I believe the commission will help protect female athletes and allow transgender students to play without creating a competitive disadvantage.”
The School Activity Eligibility Commission members will be announced in the coming days. Members will include:
- Medical data statistician
- Physician with expertise in gender identity healthcare
- Sports physiologist
- Mental health professional
- Athletic trainer who serves student-athletes on the collegiate level
- Representative of an athletic association
- Rotating member who is a coach or official in the sport relevant to a particular case the commission considers
