ACLU of Michigan’s Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Transgender Athletes

The following statement can be attributed to Jay Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan Nancy Katz & Margo Dichtelmiller LGBTQ+ Rights Project staff attorney:

“While we are deeply disappointed with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling today regarding transgender athletes and the impact it will have on transgender athletes across the country, it does not mean that Michigan school districts are required to ban transgender girls from playing sports. Michigan’s state civil rights laws explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression in school, employment and housing. Today’s ruling also does not apply to other school programs or activities, including bathrooms and respecting student names and pronouns.

"Michigan already has a mechanism in place that addresses concerns about competitive advantage, and there is no need for a ban on transgender athletes in school sports.

"It is simply unfair to deny a child the many benefits of teamwork and dedication because of who they are, along with the friendships and leadership development that playing sports cultivates. We should remove barriers for everyone in sports such as unequal pay and harassment, not create new ones.  Opponents have spent millions to advance sports bans that target a handful of children instead of making sure that everyone – transgender or not – is able to have good jobs, fully funded schools, an affordable cost of living, and the healthcare we need.  Transgender people are our neighbors, friends, and family, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect and dignity as anyone else.

"Every day we see attempts to deny transgender people control over their bodies, identities and lives, and we will continue to fight for the freedom of all people to be their authentic selves, without fear or political interference.