Quick Hit:

A Minnesota high school is drawing scrutiny after an email from a school official instructed parents not to comment on a transgender athlete competing against their daughters. 

Key Details:

• Eagan High School’s athletic director told parents to avoid all “political” commentary before facing a team with a transgender player.
• The athlete in question, Marissa Rothenberger, is a biological male competing in girls' softball.
• The directive discouraged parents from bringing signs, shirts, or messages that could spark debate.

Diving Deeper:

A high school softball showdown in Minnesota has become the latest flashpoint in the national debate over transgender athletes in girls’ sports. Eagan High School, which recently faced Champlin Park in the state quarterfinals, sent a cautionary email to parents that’s raising eyebrows and questions about free speech and fairness in competition.

OutKick obtained the email, which was reportedly authored by Jason Elias—Eagan High’s athletic director and assistant principal—warning parents to stay quiet about the controversy ahead of the game. The game featured Champlin Park’s transgender pitcher, Marissa Rothenberger, a biological male who has helped propel the team toward a state championship.

“There may be added attention surrounding our game, and it’s important that we represent our team and school with class and integrity,” Elias wrote, according to OutKick. “We ask that families avoid engaging in conversations or commentary about other teams … To maintain a positive and unified atmosphere, we are asking that no political messages, signs, or shirts be brought to or displayed at the game.”

Rothenberger was not named in the email, but her presence on the mound is what’s fueling growing concern among parents and athletes who see this as another example of biological males entering girls’ competitions with a clear physical advantage. Elias concluded the email by urging families to focus on “the athletes and their hard work.”

But for many parents, that sentiment rings hollow when their daughters are forced to compete under what they believe are unfair conditions—and then told to stay silent about it. Critics argue that public school officials have no business instructing parents to avoid speech, particularly when it involves something as consequential as the safety and competitive integrity of girls’ sports. The email, whether meant to avoid controversy or not, is being seen by some as a way to stifle legitimate dissent.