Colorado districts settle CHSAA transgender-athlete suit
A coalition of Colorado school districts, led by District 49, settled a lawsuit against the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) over transgender athlete participation, dismissing their claims and agreeing to pay CHSAA $60,000. Plaintiffs say the deal ensures districts can separate sports by biological sex without CHSAA penalties, while CHSAA maintains it never penalized districts, leaves eligibility decisions to schools, and that the settlement changes none of its policies.
📌 Key Facts
- Plaintiff districts dismissed claims and will pay CHSAA $60,000 (per Colorado Public Radio).
- District 49 sued in May after adopting a policy classifying teams by biological sex.
- CHSAA statement: it never penalized districts over such policies, eligibility is left to schools, and the settlement alters no CHSAA bylaws or practices.
📊 Relevant Data
Males typically outperform females by 10%-30% in athletic events relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power.
The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance — PubMed
Roughly 3.3 percent of high school students identify as transgender, and 2.2 percent are questioning their gender identity.
Here's How Many High Schoolers Are Transgender—and How They're Faring in Schools — Education Week
Transgender athletes competing in women's athletic events have won nearly 900 medals over their competitors.
UN study reveals transgender athletes have won nearly 900 medals in women's competitions — KFOX-TV
In a 2025 California high school track and field championship, a transgender athlete won gold in the girls' high jump and triple jump.
Transgender athlete wins, shares state honors, creating questions about inclusion — EdSource