(9-12-23) The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the IHSA office in Bloomington on Monday, September 11, 2023.

The policy is one that is more liberal then some neighboring Midwest states.

2. The Board approved a recommendation to update IHSA Policy 34 – Policy and School Recommendations For Transgender Participation. The updates to the Policy center around the participation of transgender students in gender specific State Series athletic events and activities consistent with their gender identity.

Areas of Awareness:

  • Have a plan in place
  • Use correct names/pronouns according to student’s self-identification
  • Allow gender appropriate restroom and locker room accessibility
  • Provide educational training for teachers, counselors, coaches, administrators and students on
    transgender sensitivity in relation to student
  • Permit and be sensitive to students’ gender expression according to their gender identity
  • Provide access to resources and accurate information

The revised Policy can be read by clicking here.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:


“With the support and guidance of experts from Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, the IHSA developed and enacted a Transgender Policy in 2011 that we believe is one of the most inclusive in the nation. The IHSA Policy has been adapted multiple times through the years as new guidance and best practices related to medical care and athletic participation in the transgender community have emerged. Today’s updates help to bring IHSA Policy 34 in closer alignment with the policy proposed by the United States Department of Education in April, 2023. This is a sensitive subject that creates a wide range of opinions and emotions. That was reflective in the extensive discussions the Board held on a variety of issues related to the topic. We believe the policy updates balance the interests of all involved in a manner which best serves all of our student-athletes and activity participants.”

The policy change via the IHSA administration and the board, member schools were not allowed to vote or approve the policy.

Three-page (.pdf) Transgender Policy:

IHSA Revised Transgender Policy 9-11-23Download