SDHAA transgender policy survives committee

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Senate Education Committee today sent the bill voiding the transgender policy of the South Dakota High School Activities Association to the 41^st day.

Legal counsel for the Association Lindsey Ritter-Rapp says the policy clearly states the intent of the policy.

Ritter-Rap says that is "to establish criteria in which student-athletes are able to compete on a level playing field in a safe, competitative and friendly environment free of discrimination."      

Bill Sponsor Representative Jim Bolin, R-Canton, says the official birth certificate should be the determining factor.  Bolin says he hasn't heard anyone make a claim that birth document should be totally negated.

The High School Activities Association adopted the measure last summer.