Group Approves Changes to Transgender Student Athlete Policy

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The state High School Activities Association has finalized changes to its policy on transgender student participation in athletics, but more revisions may come next year.

The association's board of directors approved the changes Wednesday. The rules provide a revised way for transgender students to request to participate on the team reflecting their gender identities.

One of the changes requires that an independent hearing officer, instead of a committee, decide on students' requests. No students made requests under the original policy.

Board member Sandy Klatt is concerned that the policy doesn't allow transgender students to change their minds. Members later may consider a change to allow students to revert back to their old team.

A legislative committee last week shot down two measures that would have required transgender people to define their gender by the anatomy listed on their birth certificate.

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