LANSING- State Rep. Donni Steele today joined House Republican women in calling on the Michigan High School Athletic Association to immediately verify whether required eligibility documentation was submitted for a transgender athlete competing in the 2025 Girls’ Volleyball State Championship.

Steele said the concern centers on safety, fairness, and the integrity of women’s sports. These principles have long been recognized in Michigan law.

The Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sex. Steele noted that when eligibility requirements are not enforced, it can disadvantage female athletes who count on consistent rules to ensure safe and fair competition.

“Girls train all year for this moment. When necessary eligibility documents are missing, female athletes lose the ability to safely and fairly compete. Families deserve certainty that the same standards apply to everyone,” Steele said.

Steele also pointed to a real and serious example from another state. In North Carolina, 17 year old athlete Payton McNabb suffered a traumatic brain injury and lasting physical and cognitive damage after being struck by a volleyball spiked by a transgender player. McNabb later testified before her state legislature about the long term consequences of the injury. Steele said this case highlights the importance of ensuring policies account for real world safety risks.

According to media reports and multiple inquiries from member schools, the gender identity waiver and medical documentation required under MHSAA policy may not have been submitted or approved before the athlete’s participation this season. MHSAA has not confirmed whether the records are on file.

With the state tournament underway and Skyline High School competing tonight, the lawmakers stressed that timely answers are essential.

In their letter, House Republican women ask MHSAA to

1. Immediately confirm whether a complete gender identity waiver was submitted and approved before the athlete’s first regular season contest.
2. If not, determine ineligibility for the remainder of postseason play in accordance with current MHSAA regulations.

“Protecting women’s sports means ensuring clarity, safety, fairness and integrity. That is what parents expect. That is what athletes deserve,” Steele said.

The full letter is attached.

#ProtectWomensSports #TakeAKnee