Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting federal guidance to ensure fairness in girls’ and women’s athletics in Illinois high schools. The letter follows conflicting guidance from state agencies and growing concerns about how to uphold the intent of Title IX in the wake of recent federal actions.

Recently, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) responded to a letter from Republican lawmakers who asked how the association plans to protect opportunities for female athletes. In its response, the IHSA revealed that both the Illinois Attorney General and the Department of Human Rights have directed the organization to permit athletes to compete based on gender identity—a stance the IHSA says could conflict with federal law.

Senate Republicans argue that this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s about protecting the progress generations of women have fought for and ensuring a level playing field for female athletes.

In their letter to Attorney General Bondi, Republican senators asked for clarification on how Illinois schools and athletic associations should respond to President Trump’s February 5 Executive Order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The order directs federal agencies to interpret Title IX consistent with its original intent—protecting single-sex athletic competition for biological females.

The lawmakers are seeking answers to the following:

• Whether Illinois’ current position permitting biological males to compete in girls’ sports violates federal law;
• If that position places the state at risk of losing federal education funding or facing legal action from the Department of Justice;
• What steps Illinois must take to align with both the Executive Order and Title IX.

A copy of the letter sent to Attorney General Bondi is available here.