A Vermont religious school that withdrew its women’s basketball team from a playoff game because a transgender student was playing on the opposing team will be barred from future tournaments, the Vermont Principals Association announced Monday.
Mid Vermont Christian School, in White River Junction, Vermont, lost 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 headmasters’ association, which is the governing body for Vermont school sports and activities for member schools, ruled that the school had violated the policies and is ineligible to participate in future tournaments it sanctions. The measure applies to all sports.
“The VPA again reiterates its continued support for transgender student-athletes not only as part of building an inclusive community for every student to grow and prosper, but also as a clear expectation of Vermont state law in the Education Agency. Better. practices and in VPA Policy regarding transgender student athletes,» the association said in a statement.
He sent a letter to the school saying that Mid Vermont was not abiding by the association’s policies on race, gender and disability awareness.
The school did not respond to an email requesting comment.