Quincy Reporter

Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus have reached out to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi seeking federal guidance on ensuring fairness in girls' and women’s athletics in Illinois high schools. This action comes amid conflicting directives from state agencies and increasing concerns over the intention of Title IX following recent federal actions.

Every member of the Senate Republican Caucus signed the letter, showing a unified stance in their efforts to protect opportunities for female athletes in the state. Deputy Republican Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) explained, “We are standing up for fairness and for every girl who has put in the work to compete, earn a scholarship, or chase a championship.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining the ground gained by Title IX to ensure equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has addressed concerns from Republican lawmakers regarding how it plans to protect female athletes' opportunities. In its response, the IHSA noted discrepancies between directives from the Illinois Attorney General and the Department of Human Rights requiring the organization to permit athletes to compete based on gender identity. This guidance, the IHSA suggests, may conflict with federal law.

In seeking clarification from Attorney General Bondi, the Republican Senators reference President Donald Trump’s Executive Order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which instructs federal agencies to interpret Title IX according to its original intent of safeguarding single-sex competition for biological females. Republican Caucus Whip Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) stated, “The President’s order affirms what Title IX was created to do—ensure women and girls can compete on a level playing field.”

The lawmakers are requesting answers on whether current Illinois policies violate federal law by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports, and if such policies risk the state losing federal education funding or facing legal action. They are also seeking guidance on aligning with the Executive Order and Title IX.

Assistant Republican Leader Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) noted the importance of sports in developing key skills in young women, stating, “Those opportunities helped shape who I am—and they deserve to be protected for the next generation of girls.”

The IHSA acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting the legal challenges schools face with the statement, “Compliance with the Executive Order could place IHSA out of compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act and vice versa.” They urged for clear guidance from state and federal officials.

The letter also highlighted similar legal actions in Maine, California, and Minnesota by the U.S. Department of Justice, arguing that allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports might constitute sex discrimination under Title IX. Senate Republican Caucus Whip Sally Turner (R-Beason) asserted, “This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s about protecting the progress generations of women have fought for.” A copy of the letter to Attorney General Bondi is available for public access.