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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2023
The Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development Adopts Interscholastic Activities Regulation
JUNEAU, AK – The Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development held a special board meeting today to vote on the proposed interscholastic activities regulation.
The regulation requires nonprofit associations that administer and promote interscholastic activities in Alaska to ensure fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for female students in high school athletics by providing participation in separate high school athletics teams for female students in competitive or contact sports to females who were assigned female at birth.
During the public comment period earlier this summer, over 1,300 written comments were received. Additionally, more than 60 people provided verbal public comment during the June and July board meetings.
The Board voted to approve the regulation. The regulation now must be reviewed by the Department of Law before implementation.
"The process and rationale that the board members discussed for how they came to their decision was sound and thorough. Trying to do what is best for all students is not always so cut and dry. I believe this regulation gives safety and clarity to student athletes and includes everyone," said Board Chair James Fields.
“This decision involved a long, thoughtful process as it is an important topic for Alaskans. A key aspect of our regulation is that it is aligned with the direction of the Federal Title IX Guidance provided by the Biden Administration as well as aligned with our mission to allow all student athletes to participate in sports activities,” said Commissioner Deena Bishop.
The Board's next meeting is scheduled for October 4th and 5th.
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The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides information, resources, and leadership to support over 130,000 students in 505 public schools across the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to ensure an “Excellent Education for Every Student Every Day.”
Media Contact: Caroline Hamp, Public Information Officer, (907) 465-6694
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