The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has revised its policies regarding transgender athletes participating in girls' sports, aligning with President Trump's executive order and federal guidelines. The updated policy specifies that only athletes "assigned female at birth" are eligible to compete in girls' competitions.

WIAA executive director Stephanie Hauser explained that the decision was made in consultation with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the new federal guidance. This change mirrors the NCAA's stance, permitting biological males to practice with girls' teams but not compete in official matches.

Wisconsin's previous policy, which allowed transgender athlete participation in girls' sports since 2013, contrasts with Governor Tony Evers' veto last April of a bill proposing a ban on transgender athletes in girls' sports. Evers expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and children's mental health. However, the state's current move aligns it with 25 other states that have implemented similar regulations.

This shift comes amid a growing national debate on transgender inclusion in sports, increasingly transcending partisan lines. A recent New York Times/Ipsos poll revealed that a significant majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, oppose transgender women competing in women's sports. Despite this trend, some states like California, Minnesota, and Maine continue to defy the federal directive, risking potential loss of federal funding and facing investigations for possible Title IX violations.

During her confirmation hearing, Trump's appointee for education secretary, Linda McMahon, affirmed her opposition to transgender women competing in women's sports, emphasizing the importance of safety and privacy for female athletes. She underscored the original intent of Title IX to protect against social discrimination and ensure safe spaces for women.