The Mid Vermont School’s women’s basketball team withdrew from the Vermont Division IV tournament, refusing to compete against a team with a transgender student-athlete. Head of School Vicky Fogg emphasized concerns about fairness and player safety, stating, “Playing against a biological male jeopardizes the game’s fairness and our players’ safety.” Vermont law allows transgender females on girls’ teams, backed by the Principals’ Association’s inclusivity stance.
In a letter, the school asserted the right not to fully comply with Vermont’s anti-discrimination laws. The decision drew attention, with critics accusing the Principals’ Association of prioritizing a biological male’s interests over female students. Despite the playoff opportunity forfeited, Fogg emphasized taking a stand for women’s sports integrity, stating, “Biological males should not be infiltrating women’s sports.” The team’s action underscores the ongoing debate about transgender inclusion in sports, sparking a crucial conversation about safeguarding fairness and women’s sports’ future.
