The Philadelphia School District has announced it will not comply with a new Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) rule prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in sports that align with their gender identity. The decision follows PIAA’s policy revision, which reflects a recent executive order by President Donald Trump barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Under the new policy, PIAA replaced references to gender with sex and mandated schools to consult legal counsel to ensure compliance. The change affects all PIAA member schools that receive federal funding. While many districts are reviewing the rule, Philadelphia has reaffirmed its commitment to allowing transgender students to participate based on their gender identity.
Philadelphia has long maintained policies supporting LGBTQ+ students, including its 2016 rule allowing students to use their preferred pronouns, bathrooms, and sports teams. The district cited its existing policy as the basis for rejecting PIAA’s directive, emphasizing a commitment to equity and inclusion.
The policy shift presents legal uncertainties for schools statewide. Some districts, like Central Bucks, have previously implemented and repealed transgender athlete bans, while others, such as Pennridge and North Penn, are assessing how to proceed. Although PIAA asserts that compliance is required for federally funded schools, legal experts argue that Trump’s executive order does not override existing state and federal protections for transgender students.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer