State Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is speaking out against the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for refusing to comply with a recent federal executive order that prohibits biological males from participating in female sports, calling the association’s stance “troubling” and warning of potential consequences.
The executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” was signed by President Donald Trump on Feb. 5 and mandates that Title IX be enforced to reserve women’s sports exclusively for biological females. It threatens the loss of federal funding for non-compliant institutions and directs federal agencies to take enforcement action.
Despite the order, the IHSA has maintained that it will continue to allow transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity, citing the Illinois Human Rights Act and guidance from the Illinois Attorney General.
“I think the IHSA is in a tough position on this issue, but their response to our letter indicates they have no intention of supporting federal law and I think it will lead to additional issues,” Schmidt told the Metro East Sun.
Schmidt’s comments come after the IHSA responded to a letter sent by 40 Republican state lawmakers on March 17, seeking clarity on the association’s compliance with the executive order.
Their letter requested clarity in regard to the IHSA’s policy and emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of women’s sports.
“I think it’s common sense to know that most men hold physical advantages over women in sports which is why we have different competitions for each gender across the country,” Schmidt said.
He also voiced concern for female students in Illinois and beyond.
“Biological girls across the country, including Illinois, feel like their privacy and safety have been hijacked and they want their voices heard and action taken to preserve their rights,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt warned of repercussions if the state fails to act.
“It’s unfortunate that educational institutions and the Governor of Illinois refuse to follow federal law,” he said. “In turn, such decisions will lead to the loss of federal funding and possibly lawsuits.”
Schmidt represents the 114th House District, which includes St. Clair County and the cities of Belleville, Centreville, East St. Louis, Fairview Heights, Lebanon, Mascoutah and O’Fallon.
