Chicago City Wire

Rickey Harris, principal of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and recently elected member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors, has declined to comment on the organization's policy regarding biological male transgender athletes in female sports. 

Harris, who was elected to the IHSA Board in October 2024, has not addressed the controversy publicly. As principal of Whitney M. Young, he earns an annual salary of $145,000.

The ongoing debate over transgender athlete participation in sports continues to be a contentious issue. The IHSA's current policy permits biolgical male students to compete against females consistent with their gender identity, a stance that has come under scrutiny following a federal executive order issued by former President Donald Trump.  

The executive order titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports," mandates that biological males be excluded from female sports, directing the Department of Education to enforce Title IX by ensuring that sports designated for women are reserved for biological females. 

In response, 40 Republican state lawmakers sent a letter requesting IHSA clarification on whether the governing body would comply with the federal directive. 

However, the IHSA has emphasized its commitment to adhering to the Illinois Human Rights Act, which mandates boys be allowed to play girls' sports based on gender identity, and has stated that it is a private association unaffected by federal funding threats.

While Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha has publicly defended the IHSA's position, all 10 members of the IHSA Board, including Harris, have declined to comment on the matter.  

“There has been no recent vote by the IHSA Board on this matter,” Matt Troha, Assistant Executive Director of the IHSA, told Prairie State Wire. “Per our letter, there is a law in Illinois that has existed for many years that allows participation by transgender student-athletes in IHSA State Series (post-season) competition. President Trump’s Executive Order obviously conflicts with that, and we have reached out to state lawmakers seeking clarification on remaining in legal compliance.” 

Critics argue the IHSA is ignoring national sentiment and federal rules. 

A recent New York Times/Ipsos poll found that 79% of Americans—including 67% of Democrats—oppose allowing transgender women to compete in female sports.

The silence from IHSA board members has drawn criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argue that the lack of individual input from members like Harris is detrimental to the students the organization serves. 

Harris's tenure at Whitney Young High School began in 2022, marking him as only the fourth principal in nearly 50 years. Previously, Harris served as dean and assistant principal at the school, and has held various educational leadership roles throughout his career.

Harris has previously been criticized by community members living in the vicinity of Whitney Young’s campus over unfulfilled promises of shared access to its $4.3 million "Michelle Obama" athletic complex.

In 2012, Harris resigned as principal of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School, citing feelings of disrespect. His resignation came amid broader tensions at the parish.