The Education Amendments of 1972, specifically Title IX, is the federal law that governs sex-based participation in U.S. school athletics. Title IX states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal funding.

Why Boys Can Compete Against Girls

Because Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs, including athletics, schools must allow biological males to compete against biological females in sports. This is part of ensuring equal access and opportunity for all students, regardless of sex.

In short: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is the law that permits and requires boys to be allowed to compete against girls in U.S. school athletics, ensuring equal opportunity and treatment in sports programs.