Grundy Reporter

Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus have reached out to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting federal guidance on ensuring fairness in high school girls' and women's sports in Illinois. The request comes amid conflicting state agency guidance and concerns regarding the implications of Title IX following federal actions.

The request, supported by all members of the caucus, aims to secure opportunities for female athletes. Deputy Republican Leader Sue Rezin emphasized the importance of protecting the progress made under Title IX, stating, “We are standing up for fairness and for every girl who has put in the work to compete, earn a scholarship, or chase a championship."

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) responded to an earlier query from Republican lawmakers regarding their plans to protect these opportunities. The IHSA has been directed by both the Illinois Attorney General and the Department of Human Rights to allow athletes to compete based on gender identity, which they note could conflict with federal law.

The senators are seeking guidance on the implications of President Trump's Executive Order, "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," which directs agencies to protect single-sex competition for biological females under Title IX. Republican Caucus Whip Senator Jil Tracy highlighted the broader impacts, saying, “We’re not just talking about who wins a race. We’re talking about scholarships, leadership opportunities, and life skills that sports provide to young women.”

The caucus raised questions about whether current Illinois policies violate federal law, the potential repercussions for federal education funding, and necessary steps to comply with the Executive Order and Title IX. Assistant Republican Leader Terri Bryant also emphasized the value of preserving opportunities that sports provide women, "Those opportunities helped shape who I am—and they deserve to be protected for the next generation of girls.”

The IHSA has expressed the legal complexity created by conflicting state and federal directives, urging coordinated guidance from both levels of government. Legal actions have been initiated in other states by the U.S. Department of Justice, suggesting possible sex discrimination violations under Title IX due to biological males competing in female sports.

Republican Caucus Whip Sally Turner called for bipartisan support for the issue, saying, “This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s about protecting the progress generations of women have fought for.”

The complete letter to Attorney General Bondi is publicly available for review.