Norfolk policy requires students to play sports based on gender at birth

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Norfolk Public Schools is implementing a new policy for transgender student-athletes this year that requires them to participate in sports based on biological gender.

The Norfolk School Board passed the policy with a 5 – 1 vote Monday; it goes into effect immediately.

Its new policy supersedes the Gender Participation Policy adopted by the Nebraska School Activities Association. The NSAA is a nonprofit overseeing sports at many public and private schools.

The NSAA policy allows transgender student-athletes to participate in sports that match their gender identity and allows cross-gender participation if girls do not have the same or comparable sport. This is done through an application and approval process.  The NSAA requires documentation of hormone therapy and physiological testing to ensure the athlete does not have an advantage.

OutNebraska said this policy is unnecessary and discriminatory given that the NSAA already has requirements in place in order for transgender athletes to compete.

“Policies like these are meant to send the message that transgender people are not welcome, and that is a message we will not stand for,” Abbi Swatsworth, executive director of OutNebraska said. “Every single student, transgender or not, deserves the opportunity to challenge themselves, improve fitness and be part of a team.”