An Act to amend 36.12 (1) and 38.23 (1); to create 36.25 (58) and 38.12 (15) of the statutes; Relating to: designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants.
Impact
The legislation would amend existing statutes related to educational institutions and their operations in sports. Specifically, it prohibits male students from participating in female-designated teams and accessing locker rooms set aside for females. This change has profound implications for both current and future athletes, particularly for transgender individuals who may wish to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity. The bill further allows for female students who feel deprived of opportunities due to violations to pursue remedies through legal action.
Summary
Senate Bill 116 aims to establish clear guidelines for gender designation of athletic teams at University of Wisconsin institutions and technical colleges based on the sex of the participants, defined as that determined by a physician at birth and noted on the birth certificate. The bill requires that each athletic team or sport must be expressly designated as male or female. This designation is significant as it will directly affect the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports within these institutions.
Contention
The bill has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers, educators, and advocacy groups. Proponents argue it is necessary to protect the integrity of women’s sports and to ensure fair competition. Critics, however, contend that it discriminates against transgender individuals and undermines inclusivity in sports. The potential for legal challenges based on claims of discrimination has raised concerns about how institutions will implement and enforce these regulations, leading to further discussions around the definitions of gender and fairness in athletics.
Crossfiled
An Act to amend 36.12 (1) and 38.23 (1); to create 36.25 (58) and 38.12 (15) of the statutes; Relating to: designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants.
Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants.
Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants.
Free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. (FE)
Free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. (FE)
Name, image, and likeness rights for University of Wisconsin System student athletes; maintenance costs for University of Wisconsin–Madison intercollegiate athletic facilities; and making an appropriation. (FE)
Name, image, and likeness rights for University of Wisconsin System student athletes; maintenance costs for University of Wisconsin–Madison intercollegiate athletic facilities; and making an appropriation. (FE)
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.