A Vermont religious school that withdrew its girls’ basketball team from a playoff game because a transgender student was playing on the opposing team will not be able to participate in future tournaments, the Vermont Principals Association announced Monday.
Mid Vermont Christian School, in White River Junction, Vermont, forfeited the February 21 game, saying it believed the transgender player “jeopardizes the fairness of the game and the safety of our players.”
The executive council of the Principals Association, which is the governing body for Vermont school sports and activities for member schools, ruled that the school had violated policies and was ineligible to participate in future tournaments that prohibited it. Is. This step applies to all games.
“VPA again reiterates its ongoing support of transgender student-athletes, not only as a part of building an inclusive community for every student to grow and thrive, but also as a mandate by Vermont state law(s) in the Agency of Education.” There is also a clear expectation regarding transgender student athletes in practice, and VPA policy,” the association said in a statement.
It sent a letter to the school saying that Mid Vermont does not meet the union’s policies on race, gender and disability awareness.
The school did not respond to an email requesting comment.
