Latest news with #MinnesotaStateHighSchoolLeague
New York Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Minnesota high school defends trans softball pitcher's playoff dominance amid lawsuit
A high school softball team in Minnesota is deep in the state playoffs and the political news cycle, both thanks to its dominant transgender pitcher. Champlin Park High School in Minnesota defeated the defending state champions, Rogers High School, in the sectional final on Thursday by a score of 1-0. The trans pitcher threw 14 shutout innings, bringing the athlete's season ERA down to 0.88. Three anonymous players who claim to have faced the pitcher filed a lawsuit against the state on May 20 for allowing the athlete to compete against female players. The situation has prompted national scrutiny amid the ongoing political divide over biological males in girls' and women's sports. Champlin Park's school district provided a statement to Fox News Digital defending the decision to allow the athlete to compete on the softball team. 'Throughout the entire season, and as the Rebels advance to the state tournament, it is important to note that all of the student athletes participating for the Champlin Park Softball team are eligible to compete in compliance with Minnesota State High School League rules and applicable state law. Due to data privacy laws, the District is not able to provide public comment regarding a specific student athlete,' a statement from the Anoka-Hennepin School District stated. 'In addition, the District is named in an active lawsuit which limits what information can be shared.' 3 Champlin Park High School in Champlin, Minnesota. Google Maps 3 The Champlin Park High School softball field. Google Maps The pitcher will now lead Champlin Park into the state tournament next week for the first time in program history. The lawsuit against Minnesota was filed by the religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). The defendants are Attorney General Keith Ellison, the Minnesota State High School League Executive Director Erich Martens, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero and Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett. 'Minnesota is failing its female athletes. The state is putting the rights of males ahead of females, telling girls their hard work may never be enough to win and that they don't deserve fairness and safety,' Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Suzanne Beecher told Fox News Digital. 'By sacrificing protection for female athletes, Minnesota fails to offer girls equal treatment and opportunity, violating Title IX's provisions. Our client, Female Athletes United, is right to stand up for its members by challenging the state's discriminatory policy and advocate for true equality in sports.' Ellison's office has responded to the lawsuit in a statement to Fox News Digital. 'In addition to getting exercise and the fun of competition, playing sports comes with so many benefits for young people. You build friendships that can last a lifetime, you learn how to work as part of a team, and you get to feel like you belong,' the statement read. 'I believe it is wrong to single out one group of students, who already face higher levels of bullying and harassment, and tell these kids they cannot be on the team because of who they are. I will continue to defend the rights of all students to play sports with their friends and peers.' Ellison is also suing President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice to ensure transgender athletes can continue participating in girls' sports in the state. After Trump signed the 'Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports' executive order, the Minnesota State High School League announced it would defy federal law by allowing transgender athletes to continue playing in women's sports. Ellison then claimed at a press conference on April 22 that he received notice from the Department of Justice threatening legal action if the state did not follow the executive order, so the AG decided to sue first. 3 The trans pitcher threw 14 shutout innings, bringing the athlete's season ERA down to 0.88. kowit1982 – The White House later responded to the lawsuit, condemning Ellison for taking legal action to enable trans inclusion. 'Why would a grown man sue the Trump administration to allow other biological males to participate in women's sports? This is creepy and anti-woman,' White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital. Minnesota's state legislature failed to pass the 'Preserving Girls' Sports Act' in early March, which would have stated that 'only female students may participate in an elementary or secondary school level athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted to women and girls.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From the Archives: May 24 in the Pioneer
May 24—May 24, 2015 — A year after the Minnesota State High School League recognized trapshooting as a sport, Bemidji's team has more than 50 participants. BHS has two male shooters listed in the top 10 of the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League: Chase Todavich, ranked third, and Donny Letson, ranked sixth. May 24, 2000 — A Welfare to Work program at Bemidji State University's Center for Research and Innovation is giving participants training to upgrade their job skills. When members complete the week-long training, they leave the center with a certificate, $50 and a guaranteed manufacturing job. May 24, 1975 — Minnesota's Basic Homes program may be limited to the construction of just 30 of what was to be 100 homes in the five-county Headwaters Region, which includes Beltrami and Clearwater counties. The region is the pilot area for the program and, if successful, homes will be built throughout the state. May 24, 1925 — Bemidji is asked to raise $2,200 toward the five-million-dollar American Legion Endowment Fund in the short space of one hour. Every home and professional office will be visited by a representative of the Legion and Auxiliary, who will leave a large envelope for donations toward rehabilitating ex-service members.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bemidji school board approves increases in student activity fees, admission
May 20—BEMIDJI — As graduation quickly approaches, the final Bemidji Area Schools Board of Education meeting of the 2024-2025 school year saw considerable discussion on increases for fees to participate in sports and fine arts activities, as well as admission fees for the next school year. On the heels of $1.5 million in reductions decided during an April 28 meeting, the board has not only looked at making reductions, but also increasing revenues. "As we look into trying to balance our budget as a goal of the school board, we had to look at increasing our fees because our costs are increasing, as well," Superintendent Jeremy Olson said. "We also wanted to balance that with our strategic goal of making sure that participation in our rich assortment of activities is feasible to parents and that we have avenues for individuals who can't afford it." Generally, changes include a $1 increase for admission fees for certain events. Activity fees for Tier 1 sports — often more costly to deliver — will increase from $190 to $210, while Tier 2 will see an increase from $150 to $170. Additionally, boys and girls golf will be moved from Tier 2 to become a Tier 1 sport. "Not all sports and activities cost the district the same," Olson added. "If you're in a more costly sport and even though it's subsidized by the school district to a great degree, Tier 1 is still going to be a little higher (in out-of-pocket cost) than Tier 2. That's why they're broken up." Fine arts fees will increase from $110 to $120 for Tier 1 fine arts — show choir, La Voce Ballo, speech and debate — and Tier 2 activities will be an increase from $90 to $105, affecting activities such as Knowledge Bowl, Mock Trial and marching band, among others. Middle-schoolers will also see an increase from $110 to $125 per activity. Amid concerns regarding affordability, the board discussed the current policy, which aims to ensure that a student can still participate if unable to pay a fee. "I hate to increase fees, but sports aren't cheap," board clerk Jenny Frenzel said. "If it makes anybody feel better, we have the right to waive any fee if a parent or guardian is unable to pay. I feel a lot better that we're never going to turn anybody away." Policy also states that students who qualify for free and reduced lunches pay a $30 fee for all sports and activities. Moreover, veterans and guests over 65 years of age can obtain a complimentary lifetime activity pass at the district office. After more discussion, the board unanimously approved a first reading of the new policy. Along similar lines, the board also approved its annual membership in the Minnesota State High School League. "This (resolution) is about being a member of the league, not saying that we agree with every single one of its stances," Olson explained. "This is really about participation and making sure that our kids have an opportunity to participate." This renewal is the first following U.S. President Donald Trump's Feb. 5 executive order banning transgender students from competing in girls' and women's sports nationwide. The MSHSL announced thereafter that it would continue to allow transgender participation in girls' sports, arguing that their eligibility is determined by state law, the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the state constitution. Given these developments, board chair Dave Wall expressed support for MSHSL membership despite personal opposition to the MSHSL's stance. "Before any federal executive orders came, I expressed concern about boys playing in girls' sports and I am not ashamed to say that publicly. However, I do not feel that I'd want to inhibit or punish the kids in our school district by voting against membership," Wall said, "because I value the good side of sports and everything they do for kids throughout the state." Board treasurer Ann Long Voelkner noted her support for the MSHSL, adding, "I really appreciate their attention and opportunities for students to learn how to lose a game respectfully and how the winning team treats people. That will help kids moving into the future because we're not always going to win all the time." The board then unanimously approved MSHSL membership for the upcoming school year. District Curriculum Director Colleen Cardenuto presented graduation rate data for the class of 2024, which saw a district-wide decline from 77.6% in 2023 to 74.8% last year. A total of 288 students out of 385 graduated within four years, while 53 dropped out and 23 continued to earn their diplomas beyond a four-year timeline. Students receiving free and reduced lunches came in below the district average and also experienced a decrease from 2023's graduation rate of 61.2% to 60.6%. Male students experienced a sharper decline from 2023 compared to their female counterparts. Males in 2024 graduated at 71.4% compared to 75.6% in 2023, and 2024 females graduated at 78.3% compared to 79.4% in 2023. American Indian graduates experienced a rate increase from 2023, clocking in at 53.1% from 52% respectively. Given a mixed bag of results amid a historic statewide increase, Olson noted certain steps the district is taking to change course, particularly with data collection and reporting. "Sometimes, when a student moves out of state or goes to another school, if we can't identify that with the Minnesota Department of Education, that gets counted against us," Olson said. "We should also look at systematic changes and what those look like. What should alternative education look like? How do we support our students? How do we make sure that student achievement and academics are infused in our entire system?" District Business Director Ashley Eastridge presented an overview of the district's summer capital projects schedule, showing roughly $515,300 in expenses funded by long-term facilities maintenance funds and operating capital. Eastridge noted that LTFM funds are used for deferred capital expenditures and maintenance projects that prevent further erosion of facilities, increasing accessibility of school facilities and health and safety projects. The schedule also serves as a planning document that changes on a regular basis. "The 10-year plan incorporates a district-wide, long-term schedule for roof replacement and parking lot seal coating/overlay, as well as many other items. Then, we reduce the projects to a more current window and assign a budget of approximately $1.3 million each fiscal year," Eastridge said. "In the short term, some projects are deferred and some new ones are added." Specific upcoming projects include LED lighting retrofit at Horace May and J.W. Smith Elementaries as well as the district office, resurfacing the indoor running track at Bemidji High School, and replacing walk-in cooler condensing units in the BHS kitchen. The full meeting can be viewed on the Bemidji Area Schools YouTube channel. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, in the district board room.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Metro softball players sue Ellison, MSHSL director over transgender athlete participation
A lawsuit was filed Monday against Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison, Minnesota State High School League executive director Erich Martens and numerous others by a group representing three metro high school softball athletes centered on the state allowing an athlete to play high school softball who plaintiffs allege was born male. The organization behind the suit is Female Athletes United, which is representing one softball player from Maple Grove and two from Farmington. The suit cites an unfair playing field. The MSHSL voted in 2015 to allow the inclusion of transgender athletes into girls sports. That decision came back under fire on Feb. 5, when President Trump signed an executive order aimed at prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in female sports. At the time, the Minnesota State High School League said the executive order is at odds with the Human Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the Minnesota Constitution, which prohibits discrimination 'against any person in any protected class, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity.' The U.S. Department of Education then announced it was launching an investigation into the high school athletic associations in Minnesota and California. Ellison filed a suit against the Trump administration last month, saying in part that the he viewed the President's executive orders as 'bullying' of transgender children. The lawsuit states that Minnesota's policy 'expands opportunities for male athletes to compete and experience victory at the expense of female athletes. Minnesota's female athletes suffer as a result — experiencing fewer opportunities to play, win, advance, and receive recognition in their own. And these female athletes also suffer the mental burden of knowing that their rights are secondary. Their hard work may never be enough to win.' The lawsuit describes the three represented players' interactions with the athlete it alleges to be male as one player's team repeatedly losing to and struggling to score against the pitcher, one pitcher having to compete with the other athlete for playing time on a club team and the third athlete getting hit by a pitch thrown by the alleged male athlete. The suit stated that the athletes didn't believe it was 'fair' that that would have to potentially compete against the alleged male athlete in postseason competition. Section softball tournaments opened across the state this week.
Fox News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump admin responds to Minnesota's lawsuit to let trans athletes in girls' sports: 'Creepy and anti-women'
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration and Department of Justice on Tuesday to ensure that states can continue letting biologically male trans athletes play in girls' sports. The White House has responded to the lawsuit, condemning Ellison for taking legal action to enable trans inclusion. "Why would a grown man sue the Trump administration to allow other biological males to participate in women's sports? This is creepy and anti-woman," White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital. Ellison made the announcement at a press conference after months of the state defying Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order. Ellison claimed he had received notice from the Department of Justice threatening legal action if the state did not follow the executive order. "I'm not going to sit around waiting for the Trump administration to sue Minnesota. Today, Minnesota is suing him and his administration because we will not participate in this shameful bullying," Ellison said. "We will not let a small group of vulnerable children who are only trying be healthy and live their lives be demonized." Ellison's lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, argues that the Trump administration does not have the authority to set states' athletic gender eligibility policies through an executive order. Minnesota is the first state to sue the Department of Justice over threats to cut funding for letting trans athletes play in girls' sports, and the second state to sue the Trump administration over the issue. Maine has filed a lawsuit against Trump after the Department of Agriculture cut funding to the state on April 2, and a federal judge has already ruled the USDA must unfreeze the funding. The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the state for its ongoing defiance of Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order. Maine has faced federal pressure in the last two months over its refusal to comply, including two federal investigations, a funding freeze and now a lawsuit. When Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the lawsuit against Maine at a press conference last week, she said Minnesota and California could be next. "We're looking at Minnesota. We're looking at California. We're looking at many, many states but they are the top two that should be on notice because we've been communicating with them," Bondi said. After Trump's executive order, the Minnesota State High School League announced it would defy federal law by allowing transgender athletes to continue playing in women's sports. Ellison's office stated that "based on the plain language of the statute, educational institutions and the Minnesota State High School League would violate the MHRA by prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in extracurricular activities consistent with their gender identity." Minnesota's state legislature failed to pass the "Preserving Girls' Sports Act" in early March, which would have stated that "only female students may participate in an elementary or secondary school level athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted to women and girls." The bill fell short in the state's House of Representatives, with 67 of the 68 votes needed to pass. Gov. Tim Walz was expected to veto the bill had it gone to his desk. Former Minnesota Vikings and University of Minnesota football player Jack Brewer lobbied for the bill, and had told Fox News Digital he found Walz's pro-trans stances "disgusting," especially considering Walz was a football coach at Mankato West High School in the 1990s. "It's absolutely disgusting, and it's why, when you see him and you see his mannerisms and the way he carries himself, you know this guy doesn't appeal to real men and boys who have battled it out on the gridiron, man. I have nothing in common with this guy," Brewer said. "I think he's a disgrace to the football world to be honest." A New York Times/Ipsos survey found the vast majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, don't think transgender athletes should be permitted to compete in women's sports. Of the 2,128 people who participated, 79% said biological males who identify as women should not be allowed to participate in women's sports. Of the 1,025 people who identified as Democrats or leaning Democratic, 67% said transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete with women. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
