The America First Policy Institute has filed a federal civil rights complaint alleging Oregon’s transgender-inclusive sports policies violate Title IX and harm female athletes.
At a Glance
- AFPI alleges Oregon’s policies let biological males unfairly compete in girls’ sports.
- The group says this violates Title IX and harms female athletes psychologically and competitively.
- Testimony includes lost medals and athletes withdrawing from events in protest.
- A transgender athlete reportedly won girls’ events after placing last in boys’ competitions.
- AFPI is pushing for urgent federal action as state track championships begin.
Title IX in the Crosshairs
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, alleging that Oregon’s transgender-inclusive sports policies violate Title IX protections against sex-based discrimination. According to AFPI, these policies—enforced by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon School Activities Association—create unfair advantages for biological males competing in girls’ sports.
The complaint includes accounts from high school athletes who claim they were displaced in rankings, lost out on championship titles, and endured emotional stress due to competing against transgender girls. One cited example involves a transgender athlete who finished first in the girls’ high jump, despite previously placing last in a comparable boys’ event.
AFPI’s Executive General Counsel Jessica Hart Steinmann stated, “Every girl deserves a fair shot — on the field, on the podium, and in life,” asserting that current state policies “send a devastating message” to young women.
Tension Between State Policy and Federal Law
Oregon’s athletic guidelines allow students to participate in sports that align with their gender identity. These policies are designed to uphold inclusivity and comply with Oregon state law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity. However, AFPI argues these rules violate federal Title IX standards and contradict Executive Order 14201, issued under former President Trump, which emphasized protecting women’s sports by requiring competition based on biological sex.
The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights has launched investigations into Oregon’s practices, including a probe into Portland Public Schools’ transgender sports participation guidelines. These inquiries could determine whether Oregon’s inclusive approach withstands federal scrutiny.
Oregon education officials maintain that their rules support equity and student safety. Still, with the state track championships underway, the pressure for a federal decision is mounting.
A Broader National Battle
This complaint is part of a wider national debate about transgender inclusion versus competitive fairness in youth sports. Advocates for transgender athletes argue that barring participation undermines their civil rights and well-being. On the other hand, critics—including AFPI—warn that failing to distinguish between biological sex and gender identity in athletic contexts could erode protections intended for female athletes.
The eventual outcome of the federal investigation into Oregon’s policies could set a precedent for similar cases across the United States. As legal and ethical questions continue to clash on playing fields and courtrooms alike, the call for clarity—both for athletes and institutions—grows louder.
