More Than a Game: Defending Dignity and Inclusion in Michigan Schools

On May 15, I sat in front of the House Government Operations Committee to vocalize the Michigan League for Public Policy’s strong opposition to House Bills 4066 and 4469. These bills seek to unnecessarily ban trans girls from competing in high school sports. 

When I first was made aware of the bills, my teacher heart and coaching experience kicked into action, and I got to work reading and thinking. I asked myself, “Why are these bills being proposed?” “Who do these bills impact?” and “How?” Guided by data provided by Kids Count in Michigan, our analysis quickly revealed that these bills are both dangerous and unnecessary. 

The narrative that trans girls are boys is simply wrong and dehumanizing. The argument that trans girls don’t deserve to play sports is discriminatory and heartbreaking. All kids deserve the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities alongside their peers, which has been proven to lead to better attendance in school, something Michigan schools are struggling with right now. 

As a high school coach for 15 years, I know firsthand the community and sense of safety athletics can provide. This is especially important for the transgender teens — representing fewer than 1% of teens in Michigan — who experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than their cisgender peers. More than half of transgender high school students have seriously contemplated attempting suicide. Surrounding them in a supportive system, such as a sports team, could be a lifeline for these students. 

Michigan House Republicans introduce bill to halt gender-affirming surgeries and care for minors

This legislation isn’t just harmful to trans girls; it’s harmful to all girls. We’ve seen anti-trans legislation result in girls being harassed simply for not outwardly looking “feminine enough.” Our female athletes already have to prove their worth of being competitive enough, assertive enough, strong enough, athletic enough. 

Michigan already has policies in place for trans athletes. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) reports receiving just two requests per year from transgender athletes wanting to play sports. This legislation unnecessarily targets trans youth while at the same time impacting virtually zero percent of the high school athletic population. 

The bills have passed out of the House and are now headed to the Senate.

There is no doubt about it: this legislation is anti-trans, anti-girl, anti-youth. Michigan kids deserve better.