On April 15 by a 27-20 vote, House Bill 1298, a policy that would prohibit transgender student athletes from playing on teams that match their gender identity, passed out of the Senate. North Dakota is now open to costly litigation as the bill moves to Governor Doug Burgum’s desk for his signature.
House Bill 1298 violates the United States Constitution and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which protects all students – including those who are transgender – from discrimination based on sex. It also attempts to solve a problem that does not exist while slamming the door shut for transgender student athletes to fully participate in their school communities.
It is critical that you take action now.
Call Governor Burgum or send him an email asking that he veto House Bill 1298 immediately. Remind our lawmakers that trans girls are girls and they belong in North Dakota.
Nobody wins when politicians start meddling in people’s lives like this. Nobody wins when we codify discrimination like this. Inclusive teams that support all athletes and encourage participation should be the standard for all school sports.
CALL SCRIPT
- Dial 701-328-2200
- Staff: “Hello, Governor Burgum’s office.”
- You: “Hi, my name is [your name] and I would like to leave a note for the Governor.”
- Staff: “What would you like to say?”
- You: “Governor Burgum, please VETO House Bill 1298. It’s the right thing to do, North Dakota is better than this. Thank you.”
Make sure to personalize your message and leave your name and phone number in case anyone would like to follow up with you.
EMAILING
- If you prefer to email, you may send your note to Doug@nd.gov.
SAMPLE SCRIPT
Make sure to personalize your message and include your name and phone number in case anyone would like to follow up with you.
Dear Governor Burgum,
I am writing to you today with an urgent note. House Bill 1298 has no place in North Dakota, this policy will only harm trans women and girls in our state who just want to participate in sports.
The truth is, trans girls are girls and trans women are women. You must prevent this policy from going any further.
As Governor, you have the power to stop this policy. I hope to see you rise in defense of ALL North Dakota women by vetoing House Bill 1298 immediately. We are better than this.
Thank you,
[Your name]
