Today the Department of Education issued a proposed regulation regarding the requirement for inclusion of transgender students in school sports under Title IX.

Jennifer Levi, Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, issued the following comment on the proposed rule:

We applaud the Department of Education for issuing a rule that affirms the importance of giving transgender students the chance to play sports. Being on a team helps students build healthy self-esteem, confidence, and positive self-image. The proposed rule prohibits the kind of categorical bans adopted in too many states that are hurting transgender students and that send a dangerous message to all students. It also allows schools to adopt reasonable policies for inclusion of transgender athletes that take into account differences between sports and across levels of competition. With this proposal the Department is recognizing the importance of fair and equal treatment for transgender student athletes.

Learn more about the proposed rule.