Sturgis-Coldwater News

State Senator Jonathan Lindsey expressed concerns on Tuesday regarding the Michigan High School Athletic Association's (MHSAA) decision to defy President Donald Trump's executive order titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports." According to Lindsey, this action could jeopardize federal funding for Michigan schools.

Lindsey, representing Coldwater, stated, “By the MHSAA allowing men to continue to play in women’s sports, schools that field these players may lose all access to federal funds.” He referenced Trump's order which outlines that the U.S. policy is to withdraw funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities. Lindsey emphasized, "This language is clear and should be taken seriously."

Despite this directive, the MHSAA announced it will maintain its current policy allowing men to compete in women's sports. Lindsey criticized this stance by stating, “The MHSAA has failed over the years to protect women’s sports... Now, they add insult to injury by threatening the safety of young student-athletes and by risking their educational dollars as well.”

He urged Michigan schools to self-regulate in order to ensure continued federal funding. “If Michigan schools want to ensure federal funding remains on the table, they must self-govern and prohibit men from playing in our daughters’ sports,” he said. Lindsey also commended President Trump for his leadership on this issue and expressed personal concern as a father about his daughter's safety and opportunities in sports.