The federal Office for Civil Rights has launched an investigation into Connecticut's policy allowing transgender high school athletes to compete as the gender with which they identify.
The investigation follows a complaint by the families of three girls, who say they were discriminated against by having to compete in track against two athletes who are biologically male. They say that violates Title IX, the federal law designed to ensure equal athletic opportunities for females.
The Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference says its policy follows a state anti-discrimination law that says students must be treated in school by the gender with which they identify.
The CIAC released a statement Friday saying they received notification that the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights has opened an inquiry in regard to the CIAC’s policy on transgender athlete eligibility.
"The CIAC is committed to equity in providing opportunities to student athletes in Connecticut, and the CIAC will participate fully with this investigation," the statement says.
Connecticut is one of 17 states that allow transgender high school athletes to compete without restrictions, according to Transathlete.com, which tracks state policies.
