They are rejecting Trump’s ban.
The School District of Philadelphia has announced its intention to continue allowing males to participate in women’s sports despite a new executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at restricting this practice. The district plans to uphold its 2016 policy, Board Policy 252, which permits transgender and gender nonconforming students to engage in intramural sports according to their gender identity. For competitive sports, participation is determined on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the district’s commitment to equity for all students, including those who are LGBTQ+.
In response to Trump’s executive order, which seeks to prevent males from competing in women’s sports, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) modified its policy to comply with the directive. The revised policy shifts from using the term “gender” to “sex” when determining eligibility and mandates that schools consult with legal advisors to ensure they follow the new regulations. The order, signed in February 2025, argues that allowing males in women’s sports is unfair and undermines opportunities for women and girls, threatening federal funding for noncompliant schools.
In contrast, the U.S. Department of Education is currently investigating a school district in Maine and the state’s education department for failing to adhere to the president’s order. The issue came to light after a male student competed in and won the girls’ pole vaulting state championship, which sparked public concern. The Department of Education’s investigation emphasizes that such practices violate federal law under Title IX, which ensures equal opportunities for women in education and sports.
The situation has raised significant legal questions about the intersection of gender identity, sports eligibility, and federal regulations. As various school districts across the country navigate these policies, the balance between protecting the rights of transgender students and ensuring fair competition in sports remains a contentious issue. The outcomes of ongoing investigations and legal challenges will likely set important precedents for how schools handle gender-related participation in athletics.
This controversy reflects broader debates about gender, fairness, and the role of government in regulating school policies. While some districts, like Philadelphia’s, remain committed to inclusivity for transgender students, others are adjusting their rules to align with federal mandates, creating a complex legal landscape for schools and their athletic programs.
