ACLU-PA Statement on Hempfield School Board Banning Trans Girls from School Athletics

July 12, 2022 - Tonight, in a 6-2 vote, the Hempfield School Board in Lancaster County became the first school district in Pennsylvania to pass a ban on trans girls participating in girls sports at school.

The following statement can be attributed to Naiymah Sanchez, trans rights organizer at the ACLU of Pennsylvania:

"Trans students participate in sports for the same reasons other young people do: to challenge themselves, improve fitness, and be part of a team. Having the opportunity to participate in sports results in positive outcomes for students - better grades, greater homework completion, higher educational and occupational aspirations, and improved self-esteem.

"The foremost job of schools is to create a welcoming and supportive environment that gives every child the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential. What the Hempfield School Board did tonight is an attack on the very children whom the board is charged with protecting and supporting. This discrimination is dangerous and cruel; the ACLU of Pennsylvania is ready to fight this policy if it is implemented."