GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Former U.S. Secretary of Education and West Michigan native Betsy DeVos spoke at a press conference in Grand Rapids Monday against the Biden administration's new Title IX rule, alongside other supporters.
Enacted in 1972, Title IX states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."
The Biden administration wants to expand Title IX civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ students, expand the definition of sexual harassment at schools and colleges and add safeguards for victims.
At Ah-Nab-Awen Park, DeVos and several former student athletes said in a press conference Monday that they are concerned about how this expansion will negatively impact female athletes in schools as a part of a nationwide advocacy bus tour on the topic.
DeVos said Monday, "Title IX has been a game changer for girls and women in this country, and we're not going to turn back the clock. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the Biden administration is in the process of doing."
She added, "This is a clear and present danger to girls and women right here in Michigan and across our country."
Former Connecticut student athlete Selina Soule said, "During my junior year in 2019 I lost out on qualifying for the New England Indoor Track and Field regional meet by just two spots, with the top two spots being taken by male athletes."
Fellow former student athlete and ambassador for the Independent Women's Voice Paula Scanlan said, "In September of 2021, Lia Thomas, formerly Will Thomas, began participating as a member of my women's swim team at the University of Pennsylvania. While on the men's team, Thomas had personal best times in every freestyle event that were faster than Women's World Records."
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to the Grand Rapids Pride Center about the press conference. Executive Director Jazz McKinney said in a statement sent to our newsroom:
"While the protection of women’s sports is a valid concern, it is crucial to recognize that framing this issue as a matter of excluding transgender athletes is both misguided and harmful. Firstly, it is important to dispel the myth that transgender athletes pose a threat to women’s sports. Numerous studies, also backed up by sports organizations including the International Olympic Committee and NCAA, have been used to implement policies to ensure fair competition. These policies are based on scientific evidence and aim to balance inclusivity with competitive fairness.
Title IX was enacted to ensure that no person, on the basis of sex, is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Using Title IX to exclude transgender athletes contradicts the very essence of this law, which is about providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender identity. Excluding transgender athletes from sports harms not only the individuals affected but also the broader community. Transgender youth who are denied the opportunity to participate in sports experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Sports can be a crucial avenue for developing self-esteem, teamwork skills, and a sense of belonging, all of which are vital for the healthy development of young people.
Overall, the upcoming press conference, while ostensibly aimed at protecting women’s sports, unfortunately promotes a transphobic agenda that undermines the principles of fairness and equity. It is crucial to advocate for policies that genuinely protect and support all athletes, regardless of gender identity."
This expansion is currently facing legal challenges across several states at the federal level.
The change is set to take hold in August.
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