ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – Friday is the deadline federal officials gave Minnesota’s Department of Education, as well as the Minnesota State High School League, to comply with a ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
The U.S. Department of Education previously said Minnesota is in violation of Title IX for allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports. The sports in question include skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball and softball.
MN Attorney General Keith Ellison sent a letter to federal officials Friday on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Education. Ellison expressed disappointment that the state Department of Education was not given an opportunity to provide input during the investigation. Additionally, he explained the state does not have a substantive response at this time due to the federal government shutdown.
“If the federal government intends to follow the law, it would need to follow an extensive, multi-step administrative process before any federal funding to Minnesota education programs or activities could ever be terminated,” Ellison wrote.
Ellison previously stated the federal government’s “threats” violate the constitution, Minnesota law and Title IX itself. Meanwhile, more than 245 Minnesota public school board members have signed a petition, urging state leaders to comply with a ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
On Friday, KTTC reached out again to the Minnesota Department of Education and a representative for the MSHSL to learn what actions, if any, have been taken. However, a response has not been given at this time. That said, Ellison’s response was on behalf of the Department of Education.
Find stories like this and more, in our apps.
Copyright 2025 KTTC. All rights reserved.