Despite an executive order from President Trump barring transgender athletes from girls’ sports, the VHSL policy will remain unchanged.
NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia High School League, or VHSL, says that despite a recent executive order from President Trump barring transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports, its policy will remain unchanged and continue allowing transgender student-athletes to compete.
In a statement to 13News Now, the VHSL cited current Virginia law, which allows transgender student-athletes to participate in school sports.
“To be clear, the VHSL and our member schools will always follow the law,” a spokesperson said.
Section 28A-8-1 of the VHSL 2024-25 Handbook and Policy Manual outlines rules and regulations allowing transgender student-athlete participation if certain conditions are met.
“VHSL honors and respects all individuals based on gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, sexual orientation and creed while striving to provide safe and equitable competition,” the handbook states.
On Friday, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted a statement on Facebook stating “biological boys should not be competing against girls.”
“The Virginia High School League must change course immediately just like the NCAA,” Youngkin said.
The Republican governor said Virginia schools are at risk of losing millions of dollars in federal school funding if the VHSL doesn’t comply.
The VHSL spokesperson said this policy first went into effect in 2014, there have been 48 appeals, 42 of which were granted, five which were denied, and one where no decision was made because the parent did not sign the waiver request.
The VHSL said while an appeal to allow a student-athlete to compete may be granted, the organization does not track if the transgender student-athlete actually goes on to play a sport.