The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) is facing an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) over its interpretation of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in girls and women’s sports.
The MSHSL, a nonprofit organization that oversees high school athletics in Minnesota, received notice from the OCR that it plans to investigate the league’s compliance with the new federal policy. The consequences for noncompliance include suspension, termination, or rescission of federal funding.
However, the MSHSL is exempt from receiving government funding due to its status as a voluntary nonprofit organization. Instead, it generates revenue from ticket sales, broadcast rights, corporate partnerships, and membership dues from schools.
Despite this, the league’s finances submitted to the Minnesota attorney general reveal that it received “direct public support” of $2.5 million in 2023, but zero government grants. The MSHSL also charged its member schools a total of over $10.7 million in fees for the 2024-25 school year.
The OCR will review documents and conduct interviews to determine if there is enough evidence to support a conclusion of failure to comply with federal law. If the investigation finds noncompliance, the MSHSL may face suspension or termination of federal funding.
In response to the investigation, the MSHSL said it intends to fully cooperate with any inquiry. The league also maintains that the executive order is in direct violation of the Minnesota Constitution and a 1973 state human rights law.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/mshsl-investigation-president-trump-transgender-law-minnesota-constitution/601222025