Advocacy group challenges state policy, citing violation of equal opportunity and fair play for girls.
Female Athletes United, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), has filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, challenging a recent court decision that denied their motion for a preliminary injunction.
The lawsuit, Female Athletes United v. Ellison, targets Minnesota officials and school districts, alleging a state athletics policy violates the equal treatment and athletic opportunities for girls guaranteed by Title IX.
The appeal, filed on September 22, 2025, comes after a U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota judge denied the plaintiffs’ request to halt the policy while the case proceeds. Plaintiffs had sought the injunction to prevent the state from implementing the policy, arguing it disadvantages female athletes by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports.
“Minnesota officials shouldn’t be putting males ahead of females, telling girls their hard work may never be enough to win, and that they don’t deserve fairness and safety,” said Rory Gray, Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel. “By sacrificing protection for female athletes, Minnesota fails to offer girls equal treatment and opportunity, violating Title IX’s provisions.”
Gray emphasized the group’s commitment to “true equality in sports” and stated they are appealing to the 8th Circuit to “halt Minnesota’s discriminatory policy.” The case has drawn significant attention from both advocates for women’s sports and supporters of transgender inclusion in athletics. The outcome of the appeal could have broad implications for how similar policies are addressed across the nation.
Understanding Title IX and the Case
Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives funding from the federal government. While it’s most commonly associated with sports, it broadly applies to all aspects of education.
In this case, the plaintiffs argue that Minnesota’s policy undermines the core principles of Title IX by creating an uneven playing field.
The case hinges on whether the Minnesota policy violates the equal opportunities Title IX guarantees for female athletes.
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