State by State · Law protects girls’ sports in K-12 and colleges
Since 2021, Mississippi law has kept girls' and women's teams at public schools and colleges for female students. It was one of the first states to pass such a law.
The law in Mississippi
Law in force · Covers K-12 and colleges
The law in detail, with sources
The law
SB 2536, the “Mississippi Fairness Act,” passed by the legislature (Senate 34-9, House 81-28) and signed by Gov. Tate Reeves on March 11, 2021. It took effect July 1, 2021 (source; source; source).
Who it covers
Public schools and public universities and colleges (source). Reporting describes the law as requiring public schools, universities and community colleges to designate teams as male, female or coed by biological sex.
Notes
News reports say the law gives a private cause of action to any student who loses an athletic opportunity because of a violation. No court challenge has been reported. The June 30, 2026 Supreme Court ruling upholding similar laws strengthens it (source).