McLean County Times

Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board member Mike Castleman has remained silent on scrutiny over the IHSA’s refusal to comply with President Donald Trump’s February executive order banning biological males from competing in female sports.

Castleman, the Activities and Athletic Director at Olympia High School and the IHSA Secretary has not publicly commented on the association's stance despite mounting criticism of the policy from lawmakers and advocacy groups. 

The IHSA has stood by its policy, citing guidance from the Illinois Human Rights Act, which mandates biological males be allowed to participate in female sports.

The IHSA’s reiteration of its policy came after an inquiry by 40 GOP lawmakers. 

However, as pressure mounts, Castleman’s personal stance on the issue is still unknown. 

Only IHSA Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha has responded to interview requests, noting the IHSA has not changed its policy and remains bound by Illinois law “that has existed for many years.”

However, a recent New York Times/Ipsos poll shows widespread opposition to biological males competing in women's sports, with 79% of respondents, including 67% of Democrats, against the practice.

The IHSA’s decision to uphold its policy allowing transgender athletes to compete based on gender identity, in line with Illinois state law, has placed the organization at odds with federal guidelines. 

The White House's executive order, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports," mandates that sports designated for women be reserved for biological females, with potential penalties for institutions that fail to comply. 

However, IHSA officials, including Castleman, have not addressed the growing backlash. 

Castleman’s silence, especially in light of his prominent role in the organization, has raised concerns among those calling for a reevaluation of the policy, as it remains at the center of ongoing legal and political debates surrounding Title IX and the rights of female athletes.

State Rep. Regan Deering, whose district includes parts of McLean County, criticized the IHSA’s alignment with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s gender policy, noting their past opposition to parents' rights.

“We’ve seen this story before,” Deering said. “The Governor forced unlawful mask mandates on our schools, and it took brave families filing lawsuits to win back local control. Now it’s girls’ sports and locker room privacy.” 

The comparison has added fuel to the fire as the IHSA faces increasing pressure from both sides of the political spectrum. 

As evidenced by his X account, Castleman was a strict adherent to public masking during the Covid pandemic.

Masks were required for IHSA athletes in Illinois during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons, an action enforced by the IHSA despite a lack of evidence to support the practice. 

Notably, the White House updated its official coronavirus guidance last week, acknowledging that public health officials failed to provide consistent or conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its update the White House criticized authorities for shifting their guidance without offering clear scientific data, a move the administration says contributed to a rise in public distrust.