The executive board of the Montana High School Association has indicated it plans to withdraw a proposal that would have allowed transgender student-athletes to compete on the team that matches their gender identity, according to the organization’s executive director.
Mark Beckman said in a memo to schools and the media Thursday that recent straw polls at various regional administrative meetings throughout the state indicated an overall lack of support for the policy change.
“A poll of the MHSA Executive Board indicates they intend to withdraw the proposal based on insufficient support required to achieve a two-thirds majority of members present and voting,” Beckman stated.
Beckman noted there can be no further discussion on the floor once a policy is withdrawn.
The MHSA is holding its annual meeting in Kalispell on Jan. 19. The general session begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Beckman said the MHSA office received a high volume of inquiries regarding the meeting, specifically concerning pending action by the MHSA membership.
Representatives of the 179 member schools vote on proposed changes to MHSA policy.
“The proposal was brought forward by the Executive Board with the intent to be proactive regarding emerging questions from some districts about transgender participation in extracurricular activities,” Beckman stated.
The MHSA was considering a proposed amendment to its competition policy that would allow Montana teens who were born male but identify as female to compete in girls’ events and would allow those who were born female but identify as male to compete in boys’ events.
“The MHSA allows all students, regardless of gender identity or expression, the opportunity to participate in a safe, competitive environment free of discrimination,” the proposed policy stated.
At least 33 other states have implemented similar policies through their high school associations. The new policy would also align with NCAA policy and recent federal guidance on Title IX, the law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in activities at schools receiving federal funds.
The association has never been notified of a request or disputes regarding transgender athletes in Montana schools, Beckman previously told the Billings Gazette. He called it a proactive measure that would establish consistent procedures to protect both students and schools when requests do come in.
Under the proposal, transgender students would apply for athletic eligibility through their school. The application would then be reviewed by a gender identity committee made up of medical professionals, MHSA officials and a student advocate, which would make a recommendation to the association’s executive board.
— The Associated Press contributed to this story.