Philadelphia, U.S.A., schools refuse to kick trans girls off sports teams in defiance of state sports org

The School District of Philadelphia has announced that it will allow trans students to participate in sports that align with their gender identity, according to ‘LGBTQ Nation’. This decision is a response to recent changes made by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Board of Directors, which aimed to restrict trans participation in school sports to comply with an executive order issued by Donald Trump.

The executive order in question threatens to withdraw federal funding from educational institutions that allow trans athletes to join sports teams corresponding to their gender.

On February 19th, the PIAA met to discuss these policy changes. Among the topics considered was Executive Order 14201, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The board approved a motion to remove their previous trans policy and amend section 4—article XVI of the bylaws handbook, which covers rules and regulations for mixed-gender participation in both in-season and out-of-season sports.

Previously, the section stated, “Where a student’s gender is questioned or uncertain, the decision of the Principal as to the student’s gender will be accepted by PIAA.” The revised version changes “gender” to “sex” and “Principal” to “school.”

The added amendment states: “In accordance with the Presidential Executive Order 14201 entitled ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’, dated February 5, 2025, schools are required to consult with their school solicitors relative to compliance with the Order.”

This policy change is intended for all school districts in Pennsylvania, despite conflicting with state laws that prohibit gender discrimination and Title IX, which bans sex-based discrimination in education and is interpreted by some lawyers as prohibiting anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in schools.

The School District of Philadelphia intends to continue permitting students to join sports teams that match their gender identity in compliance with state laws.

Christina Clark, the communications officer for the School District of Philadelphia, stated, “The district will continue to align its practices to support its LGBTQ+ students in accordance with Board Policy 252 for transgender and gender non-conforming students.”

Board Policy 252 prohibits school staff from disclosing a student’s chosen gender identity to others, including parents, and allows trans and gender-nonconforming students to participate in sports and physical education classes in a way that is consistent with their gender identity.

Maintaining their policy could present challenges, particularly against PIAA-compliant schools. Kristina Moon, an attorney with the Education Law Center, suggests that “they could comply or they could challenge it in court, or with a complaint.”

Trump’s order poses a threat to the school’s funding for noncompliance. Philadelphia relies on federal grant funding to support special education services and early childhood development programs, which account for nearly $619.3 million (approximately £489 million) of its $4.5 billion (approximately £3.5 billion) operating budget.

Philadelphia isn’t the only one defying Trump’s order.

Recently, New Jersey’s athletics association for school districts, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), confirmed it would not alter its policies on trans athletes, stating that the organisation’s policies are designed to align with state law.

Similarly, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) refused to change its policies for the same reasons. When asked for a comment, a CIF spokesperson emailed that, “The CIF provides students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete in education-based experiences in compliance with California law, which permits students to participate in school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, consistent with the student’s gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the student’s records.”

One of the most significant acts of defiance against the order was from Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D). After the president criticised her for not complying with his order during a governors’ meeting at the White House, Mills confronted him directly. She informed him that his order does not override state and federal laws and that Maine would not comply. Mills concluded by saying, “See you in court” after Trump threatened to terminate all federal funding to Maine.