Champlin Park Softball Team Pushes for Support at School Board Meeting
The debate over transgender athletes participating in sports has pushed the state’s top softball team into the spotlight.
The Champlin Park Rebels softball team took home it’s first state championship this summer, and one of its pitchers is reportedly transgender.
Their participation in the sport has drawn lawsuits and the ire of the political right—including some members of the Anoka-Hennepin School Board.
“It’s a sad day when girls have their opportunities taken away from them and they’re discriminated against,” said Board Co-Chair Zach Arco during a June 9 work session. “Congratulations, you have won the state championship and in so doing you have lost your sport.”
Board Member Linda Hoekman concurred.
“We’re witnessing this unbelievable reality that’s much more than winning titles and awards—it’s girls losing the opportunity to even play,” she said. “Girls are told to sit on the bench, not because of lack of effort, dedication or talent, but because of limited roster spots that are going to boys.”
The Champlin Park softball team celebrates its state championship win.
Support for the Team
Other board members responded with support for the team.
“What a weird thing for the two of you to bring to this part of our board meeting,” Board Co-Chair Kacy Deschene said. “The comments that you’re making from this board table right now are those of ignorance and they are not reflective of the realities.”
Board Member Michelle Langenfeld called the Rebel’s win “extraordinary.”
“To diminish that success of that team is very disheartening for every woman on that team,” she said. “Being a person who knows the law and supports the law, and the law in Minnesota says that every child has the right to not be discriminated against or bullied, stands in my head. And I support every child in this district.”
Several parents, players and others also spoke up at the June 23 board meeting.
“Despite all the hate and outside noise, our team had endured—we stuck together and continued to play as not just team mates, but as family,” said Reese Reimler, a Champlin Park softball player. “Our team’s accomplishment is truly a reflection on everyone’s combined efforts and relentless training.”
A parent of player told the board that suggesting the championship wasn’t earned “because we happen to have a transgender player is not only unfounded but also deeply dismissive of the team’s hard work, talent and skills.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday, June 26, the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced that it’s investigating the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League. “The investigation will examine whether Minnesota engaged in discrimination on the basis of sex by allowing male athletes to compete on sports teams reserved for females,” reads a press release. “OCR’s investigation responds to the recent participation of a male athlete in a female-only high school softball championship. The male athlete’s participation was instrumental, leading the team to win the state title.”
