East Central Reporter

Illinois State Representative Blaine Wilhour has voiced strong opposition to the participation of transgender students in girls' sports, describing it as "abusive" rather than compassionate. He urged the President to halt federal funding until schools ensure the protection of female athletes.

"Letting boys compete in girls' sports isn't “compassion,” — it's exploitation," said Blaine Jacob Wilhour, State Representative for 107th District (R). "It's abuse. It's disgusting. President Donald Trump should freeze every cent of federal funding until schools protect actual girls."

The incident that prompted Wilhour's comments took place during a track meet on May 14 at Jefferson Middle School, part of the Napier Prairie Conference. According to an NBC5 report, a transgender student's participation and subsequent victories in girls' track events ignited debate at a Naperville Community Unit School District 203 board meeting. Some parents argued that the athlete had an unfair advantage, while others supported the school's policy. The district said it adheres to the Illinois Human Rights Act and guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, which prohibit discrimination and guarantee equal access to school programs regardless of gender identity or other protected characteristics.

Screenshot of State Representative Blaine Wilhour's May 23 post on X | X

In a post on X, Wilhour shared a video of his speech on the House floor. He said that the situation in Naperville does not represent fair competition and called it abusive to young girls and a violation of Title IX. He concluded by expressing hope that President Donald Trump would freeze federal funding for schools involved in what he termed "nonsense," until they begin prioritizing children's welfare.

On May 19, Awake Illinois filed a civil rights complaint against Naperville Community Unit School District 203. The group's press release indicated that the district's board policy does not explicitly permit male students to participate on female athletic teams nor address access to opposite-sex bathrooms or locker rooms. They further argued that government officials, state agencies, and local school districts are misapplying state laws and guidance in ways conflicting with federal Title IX protections.

Representative Wilhour has served Illinois' 110th District since 2019. A lifelong resident of Illinois, he served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1999 to 2005 and was deployed to Europe in 2002 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His political career includes a term on the Fayette County Board, and he is currently a managing partner at his family's construction company in Effingham County.