MADISON – The ACLU of Wisconsin today criticized a pair of bills introduced by the Wisconsin Legislature on Wednesday – Senate Bill 377 and Senate Bill 378 – that would exclude transgender students in elementary, high schools, and public colleges and universities from participating in sports teams consistent with their identified gender.
Dr. Melinda Brennan, Executive Director of the ACLU of Wisconsin, stated:
“Transgender students participate in sports to challenge themselves and be part of a team – the same as their peers. The opportunity to participate in sports results in positive outcomes for students, including better grades, greater homework completion rates, higher educational and occupational aspirations, and improved self-esteem.
Lawmakers should tackle the real issues with gender parity in sports, including unequal funding, resources, pay equity, and more. Promoting baseless fears about trans athletes does nothing to address those fundamental problems. Excluding trans students from participating in sports teams consistent with their authentic gender identity is unfair and discriminatory. School sports should be inclusive for all students.”
Governor Tony Evers has vowed to veto any bills passed by the Legislature this session that target transgender Wisconsinites.
