I was disgusted and disappointed to read the letter that 150 or so members of Minnesota school boards (which represent fewer than 7% of the total number of school board members in the state) sent to our state’s Department of Education, the Minnesota State High School League and the attorney general, urging them to comply with President Donald Trump’s demands that Minnesota public schools violate state law by discriminating against transgender children in order to stop Minnesota schools from losing Title IX funding (“Funding fears drive push to reverse Minnesota transgender athlete policy,” StarTribune.com, Oct. 8).
Students in freshmen-level biology classes know better than to think gender is as simple as XX or XY. I won’t entertain the fallacy that Trump is concerned with fairness or safety for girls and young women. One has only to look at court records to see this president’s prior conduct on those issues.
Trump is the bully that keeps coming for your lunch money. School board members: If you think that complying with this latest demand will mean that Minnesota schools and institutions will get to keep their funding, think again. Trump has a very short memory when it comes to loyalty. Succumb to his demands on an issue that’s not important to you today, and be prepared for another demand next week, and more to come. If you choose to side with bigotry and hate over liberty and justice, be prepared for what our history books will teach to future generations one day about your compliance to a dictator.
Lisle Thielbar, Long Lake
There’s also no evidence that transgender participation has taken opportunities from anyone. The Minnesota State High School League already reviews eligibility case by case to ensure both inclusion and competitive balance. The system is working as intended — quietly and responsibly.