GDOE: No current policies restricting transgender students from playing in ISA leagues

Let her play! That appears to be the sentiment of the Guam Department of Education which is citing the lack of any policies in its sports league to bar a transgender girl from playing rugby.

According to a press release issued Friday, GDOE sent a letter to the Guam Rugby Football Union noting that both Interscholastic Sports Association and GRFU bylaws and rules don’t directly address the participation of transgender athletes.

GDOE expressed concerns to the union that the introduction of new “conditions and restrictions” during the season could risk violating Title IX which protects against discrimination based on gender identification. This comes after GRFU sent GDOE information on “World Rugby Laws” which “bans transgender women from playing women’s rugby because of the size, force, and power-producing advantages.”

Addressing community concerns, GDOE is turning to the GRFU to have referees in the game monitor play, requesting, "the GRU to ensure that rugby referees exercise their significant authority and discretion to ensure the safety of all matches and all athletes who participate in ISA competitions."

GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said, “ this is a challenging and developing issue that rugby organizations are currently addressing all over the world. We look forward to learning more about the issue and working with GRU over the summer to set rules that will result in an inclusive, safe, and competitive season next year.”

GRFU runs the league for ISA which is under GDOE. Policies are set forth by ISA.