SE Grand Rapids News

State Representative Gina Johnsen, a Republican from Portland, has issued a statement calling on the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to comply with federal directives intended to protect female athletics. Johnsen's comments were made in conjunction with members of the House Republican Women’s Caucus.

Reflecting on her own high school experiences, Johnsen expressed concern for current female athletes. "I thoroughly enjoyed high school tennis, competing for a varsity letter, and enjoying the camaraderie of the team," she said. She lamented that today's female athletes face different challenges compared to her time. "When I was in high school, I didn’t have to worry about competing against a man who could fire the ball back at my face."

Johnsen highlighted safety and privacy concerns for young women in sports today. "That’s the reality girls face today," she noted, referring to potential dangers in locker rooms and on the field. She emphasized that such situations compromise both safety and the integrity of sports: "It’s simply not safe and violates the integrity of the sport."

The MHSAA is currently resisting an executive order issued by President Donald Trump last month that prohibits biological males from participating in girls' and women's sports. In response, Michigan's House passed House Resolution 40—a bipartisan resolution urging compliance with this federal mandate.