Rock Island Today

State Senator Neil Anderson has publicly expressed his disapproval in response to a letter from the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) regarding the inclusion of male athletes in female sports. Anderson, drawing from his experiences as a former collegiate athlete and a parent of a student-athlete, criticized the association's decision.

He stated, "As a father of a student-athlete and a former collegiate athlete myself, I am deeply disgusted by the decision of the Illinois High School Association’s President and Director. Their endorsement of biological males competing in girls’ sports is not just irresponsible, it’s a betrayal of every female athlete who has worked hard to earn her place."

Anderson emphasized that he views the decision as "not inclusion, it’s injustice," and he argued that the policy compromises the "safety, opportunity, and the level playing field" for female athletes. He further remarked, "There are two genders: male and female. No amount of identity politics changes biology."

In his statement, he firmly declared, "This is a line in the sand, and I will fight to defend it. If you disagree with me, I’m not interested in your approval."

The controversy centers on the policy set by the IHSA, which Anderson and some stakeholders claim undermines the integrity of women's sports. The debate reflects broader discussions around transgender participation in athletics at various competition levels. Anderson's stance highlights ongoing disagreements about how sports organizations accommodate different gender identities while maintaining fair competition.