St. Paul, MN— State Representative Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township, issued the following statement after a joint federal investigation found the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League violated Title IX by allowing students to join sports teams based on gender identity.
“This decision reaffirms the fairness and safety Title IX was created to protect,” said Zeleznikar. “For decades, women and girls fought for the right to compete on a level playing field. That hard-won right has increasingly come under attack, but the vast majority of Minnesotans agree; boys should not compete in girls’ sports. I hope this ruling ensures every girl in Minnesota has the chance to compete fairly.”
Zeleznikar is the chief author of House File 1233 legislation to align Minnesota’s Human Rights Act with Title IX protections. The bill won unanimous Republican support but was blocked by Democrats. She plans to reintroduce it if Governor Walz calls a special session.
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