Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Sparks Outrage After Downplaying Impact of Transgender Athletes in Girls’ Sports — Parents and Advocates Demand Answers

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is facing mounting backlash after comments he made this week appeared to downplay the growing concerns over transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports, a topic that has sharply divided parents, students, and school officials across the state.

Ellison’s remarks — made during a public forum on education policy — have ignited a storm of criticism from parents’ groups and advocates for female athletes who say his “dismissive attitude” ignores the reality young women face in sports today.

“This isn’t about discrimination — it’s about fairness and safety,” said Lisa Matthews, a Minneapolis mother of two high school athletes. “For the Attorney General to shrug it off like it’s no big deal is insulting to every girl who’s worked her whole life for a level playing field.”

⚡ “It’s Not a Widespread Issue,” Says Ellison

During the forum, Ellison reportedly said that while the issue of transgender participation in sports “raises strong emotions,” he believes “the actual number of cases is very small” and should not be used as a “political weapon.”

“We have to remember these are kids,” Ellison said. “We’re talking about inclusion, compassion, and understanding — not fearmongering.”

The comment drew immediate reactions from school board members and parents in attendance, several of whom argued that Ellison’s statement minimized legitimate concerns about competitive fairness, privacy, and safety in girls’ sports.

“We’re not making this up,” countered Sarah Whitmore, a school board member from suburban St. Cloud. “We’ve seen biological males dominating girls’ competitions. We’ve seen scholarships lost. This is happening right here in Minnesota, not just in headlines from other states.”

🏃‍♀️ A Growing Divide in Minnesota Schools

Across the state, the issue of transgender participation in sports has become a flashpoint in school board meetings, with some districts pushing for updated policies to protect female athletes, while others stress the need for inclusion and equality.

In recent months, several Minnesota parents have filed complaints with both local school boards and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), alleging that existing policies fail to safeguard fairness in competition.

One parent, who requested anonymity for fear of backlash, told reporters that her daughter “lost her starting position and a potential college scholarship” after competing against a transgender athlete.

“My daughter came home crying,” the parent said. “She asked me why it even matters to train hard if the rules aren’t fair. How do you answer that?”

💬 Advocates: “Girls Are Being Silenced”

Advocates for female athletes say that speaking out against current policies has become “socially dangerous.”

“If you express concern, you’re labeled as hateful or transphobic,” said Kara Swenson, an organizer with FairPlay Minnesota, a grassroots coalition supporting sex-based sports categories. “All we’re asking for is fairness. That shouldn’t be controversial.”

The group has called for statewide hearings and policy reviews, urging lawmakers to establish clear protections for biological girls in sports, particularly in contact-heavy disciplines like rugby, basketball, and track and field.

“We’re not trying to exclude anyone,” Swenson added. “We’re asking the state to acknowledge that biological differences matter — because they do.”

🏛️ Political Fallout and Public Reaction

Ellison’s remarks come at a politically sensitive time. With Minnesota preparing for a heated 2026 gubernatorial race, his comments are being closely analyzed by both allies and critics.

Republican lawmakers quickly seized on the controversy, accusing Ellison of being “out of touch with parents and science.”

“Minnesota girls deserve fairness in sports — not lectures from politicians,” said Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Keith Ellison just told every parent in this state that their daughters’ opportunities don’t matter.”

Democrats, meanwhile, have largely defended Ellison, with some arguing that the outrage is being “politically manufactured” to stoke division.

“This is a coordinated attempt to inflame and divide communities,” said Rep. Aisha Gomez (D-MN). “AG Ellison is standing up for compassion and inclusion — values that define Minnesota.”

⚖️ The Broader National Debate

Minnesota joins a growing list of states grappling with the question of how to balance inclusion with fairness in high school and collegiate athletics.
More than 20 states have passed laws restricting participation in girls’ sports to biological females, while others — including Minnesota — continue to follow gender identity–based policies.

Legal analysts say the issue could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court, as conflicting state laws create constitutional questions around equal protection and Title IX compliance.

“This isn’t just a cultural battle — it’s a legal one,” explained Dr. Ellen Reaves, a constitutional scholar at the University of Minnesota. “How courts define sex and gender under federal law will shape the future of sports in America.”

🔥 Parents Demand Action

In the wake of Ellison’s comments, parent organizations have announced plans to rally at the Minnesota State Capitol next week, demanding legislative hearings and greater transparency in how school sports policies are enforced.

Many say they are not seeking to target or exclude transgender students but rather to “protect the integrity of girls’ competition.”

“This isn’t about hate,” said Matthews. “It’s about fairness. Our daughters deserve equal chances — not empty promises from politicians.”

🕊️ A Debate Far from Over

As Minnesota’s debate intensifies, one thing is clear: this issue is not going away.
Ellison’s remarks have sparked a new wave of activism — and deepened the divide between those who believe inclusivity should guide sports policy and those who say fairness must come first.

For now, the state stands at a crossroads — caught between compassion and competition, politics and principle, inclusion and integrity.