East Twin Cities

Today, Congressman Pete Stauber issued a statement following the announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights. The department has initiated an investigation into the Minnesota Department of Education under Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota State High School League. The investigation concerns potential discrimination based on sex after a biological male led the Champlin Park High School girls’ softball team to its first state championship win.

Stauber expressed his concern as a father of two daughters, stating, "As a father to two girls, I was horrified to learn that a recent state championship for young female athletes in Minnesota was dominated by a team with a biological boy. Allowing boys to compete in girls' sports is not only unsafe, it’s deeply unfair, and this disgraceful sham of a championship is just the latest example."

He attributed this situation to what he described as failed leadership by Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Stauber said their actions showed "blatant disregard for the Title IX rights of female athletes," leading to the investigation which could potentially cost Minnesota nearly $12 million in federal funding. He added, "They left the Trump Administration with no other choice but to act in defense of the safety and dignity of Minnesota’s female athletes."

Stauber voiced his support for the Trump Administration's decision, saying, "I fully support the Trump Administration's decision to protect Title IX and prevent boys from competing in girls' sports."

Under Title IX requirements due to receiving federal funds, Minnesota must ensure fair opportunities for females on sex-segregated teams. This obligation stands regardless of state law obligations.

Despite a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice restating the Administration’s stance on Title IX, Minnesota’s Attorney General advised following state law over President Trump's Executive Order concerning gender participation in sports.