USA Powerlifting settles discrimination case with JayCee Cooper in 2026

USA Powerlifting has ended a 6-year legal battle with athlete JayCee Cooper. This settlement is a major change from the organization's 2018 policy.
By Newsroom | Sports, Minnesota |

Minneapolis, MN - USA Powerlifting has reached a settlement with JayCee Cooper, a transgender powerlifter, ending a protracted legal conflict initiated in 2018. The lawsuit, which alleged discrimination under Minnesota law, centered on Cooper's exclusion from women's powerlifting competitions.

The settlement signifies a resolution after a complex legal journey, including rulings from the Minnesota Supreme Court that found USA Powerlifting's exclusionary policies to be discriminatory under the state's Human Rights Act. While specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, attorneys for Cooper indicated that USA Powerlifting acknowledged its policies violated the law and will provide compensation for the harm caused. This case has been viewed as a significant marker in ongoing discussions about transgender participation in sports within Minnesota.

The legal proceedings saw various decisions and appeals. Initially, a district court decision supported Cooper's claim. However, the Minnesota Court of Appeals later reversed this, suggesting USA Powerlifting's decision was based on physiology, not transgender status. Ultimately, the Minnesota Supreme Court re-affirmed that the ban constituted discrimination.

Read More: Tallest Player Olivier Rioux Joins UC Irvine Anteaters Basketball

USA Powerlifting, while agreeing to the settlement, has maintained that its policies are rooted in biological differences and the pursuit of fair competition in strength-based sports. The organization has stated that the Minnesota ruling is at odds with its understanding of science and broader trends in international sports governance.

Background to the Dispute

Cooper's legal challenge began after being denied entry into two women's competitions organized by USA Powerlifting in 2018. The organization reportedly lacked a formal written policy at the time but excluded transgender women. The legal battle has extended over six years, drawing broader attention to the intersection of anti-discrimination laws and athletic eligibility. Attorneys involved have highlighted the case's implications for broader participation rights for transgender individuals in various public spheres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did USA Powerlifting settle the lawsuit with JayCee Cooper on 28 April 2026?
USA Powerlifting settled the case after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that their exclusion policy violated the state's Human Rights Act. The organization agreed to pay compensation and acknowledged that their past policy was discriminatory.
Q: What was the main legal issue between JayCee Cooper and USA Powerlifting?
The dispute began in 2018 when JayCee Cooper was denied entry into women's powerlifting competitions. The legal battle focused on whether excluding transgender women from these sports counts as illegal discrimination under Minnesota law.
Q: How does the 2026 settlement affect transgender athletes in Minnesota?
This settlement confirms that sports organizations operating in Minnesota must follow state anti-discrimination laws. It sets a legal marker for how athletic eligibility rules are applied to transgender participants in the state.
Q: Does USA Powerlifting still believe their old policy was correct?
While USA Powerlifting agreed to the settlement, they stated they still believe their policies should be based on biological differences for fair competition. They noted that the Minnesota court ruling is different from their own view on sports science.