OPINION:
Those involved in school athletics are scratching their heads trying to make sense of Biden’s latest proposed changes to Title IX (“Biden under fire from trans lawmakers for Title IX compromise,” Web, April 9). The changes attempts to find a middle ground that includes “trans athletes.” But confusion, not clarity, is what happens when you use social trends to shape public policy.
The White House has created controversy where there was none previously. It has redefined “boys” and “girls” based on social movements, not scientific facts. It has eliminated the equal field of competition by imposing genetic exemptions that have no limit.
I do not believe this was ever about sports. Rather, women’s athletics was an easy entry for social engineering and there are loopholes in Title IX rules that enable manipulation. Rewriting rules and redefining words to prevent harm to trans athletes ignores what happens if a biological female loses a title event to a trans individual. Isn’t that unfair and doesn’t it need to be recognized?
If these changes were truly about fairness, simply creating a “trans” division during tournament competitions would be the solution. Different divisions are often established within tournament competitions, so why not make one for trans athletes? Also, I’ve noticed this narrative focuses on non-contact sports, in which biological males can compete in female sports. However, we don’t see the same efforts to have biological females play in male sports. Maybe the advocates who refuse to accept that testosterone levels and body density are so vital would debunk their theories.
There is going to be some form of bias no matter what adjustments are made. The Biden administration has once again miscalculated the mood of this nation and its desire to uphold the spirit and intentions of Title IX.
GREG RALEIGH
Washington, D.C.
