East Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour, a state representative for Illinois' 110th District, has highlighted the Illinois High School Association's (IHSA) clarification on its policy regarding transgender student participation. In a letter shared on April 16, the IHSA explained that while it governs state series competitions, individual schools are responsible for decisions on transgender participation in regular season events.

"After nearly a month, the IHSA has finally responded to House Republicans' letter requesting how they plan to amend their policy to comply with the President's order protecting women and girls from having to compete against biological males in sports," said Blaine Jacob Wilhour, State Representative for 110th District (R), according to Facebook. "IHSA's response is baffling and wrong. Fairness and safety in sports should not be a political issue and should not be up for debate. Policies protecting same-sex sports and locker rooms must align with federal policy to ensure the integrity of competition ooand the well-being of student-athletes."

According to Wilhour, who shared a copy of the letter in his Facebook post, the IHSA’s policy applies only to state series competitions. Member schools are tasked with decisions regarding transgender student participation in regular season events. The letter also notes that the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Department of Human Rights have said that the Illinois Human Rights Act mandates transgender students be allowed to participate in programs and events consistent with their gender identity. The letter was signed by IHSA Board President Dan Tully and Executive Director Craig Anderson and highlights a conflict between complying with an executive order and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Screenshot of State Representative Blaine WIlhour's April 16 Facebook post | State Representative Blaine Wilhour's Facebook page

President Donald Trump's February 5 executive order directs private sporting bodies to gather at the White House to hear firsthand accounts from female athletes about their experiences related to injuries, privacy concerns, and competition dynamics when sharing spaces with male athletes. The order emphasizes negative impacts on women’s opportunities and privacy due to biological advantages held by males competing in female-only sports.

The IHSA has updated its policy since 2011 based on medical expert guidance and state law, according to Executive Director Craig Anderson. The organization is committed to staying informed on legislative changes and working with its Board of Directors to ensure compliance with state law. Currently, the IHSA requires transgender students to obtain an eligibility ruling before participating in a state series event aligned with their gender identity. Schools must submit a request for this ruling, providing proof of consistent gender identity through medical records and the student’s personal statement.

Wilhour represents Illinois' 110th District after being first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2018 for the 107th District. In his most recent legislative term, he served on several committees including Appropriations for Elementary & Secondary Education, Transportation: Vehicles & Safety, Prescription Drug Affordability, Personnel & Pensions, Labor & Commerce, Ethics & Elections, Energy & Environment, and the Wage Policy & Study Subcommittee.