SENATOR D.

SCOTT DIBBLE
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
111 State Capitol
St. Paul, MN 55155
Office: (651) 296-4191

State of Minnesota

Scott McCready, MSHSL President
c/o Minnesota State High School League
2100 Freeway Boulevard
Brooklyn Center MN 55430-1735

September 30, 2014

Dear Mr. McCready,

I am writing in support of the proposed Minnesota State High School League policy on the
participation of transgender students in high school athletics. I believe the draft guidelines set
forth present a reasonable and fair policy for letting all students engage in athletics in a safe and
competitive environment.

Participating in high school athletics should be a privilege enjoyed by all high school athletes
regardless of gender identity. Research has long shown that participating in sports improves not
only the physical health of students, but also self-esteem and emotional well-being. Given the
already challenging social and academic environment of Minnesota high schools, giving
transgender student athletes the fair chance to compete will not only benefit them personally, but
it also allows schools to conform with already existing state and federal regulations to provide
students the opportunity to participate in sports programs.

All studentsregardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity
should be valued, affirmed, and included in school activities. The opposition to the draft policy
of transgender students participation in athletics proves we have plenty of work to be done to
create an environment for all our youth where they can be without fear or harassment,
discrimination or worse. Adoption of the draft proposal would be a significant first step to
accomplishing that goal.

Sincerely,


D. Scott Dibble
State Senator, District 61