Women’s Rights Group Protests CIF Policy Allowing Transgender Athletes to Compete with Girls
A powerful women’s rights group took a stand against the upcoming California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) policy that permits transgender athletes, who are biologically male, to compete in girls’ sports. The protest took place during a CIF San Francisco regional meeting on September 7.
Members of the feminist group, along with parents and other community members, gathered in front of a San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) building to voice their opposition.
Chanting “Stand up for women” and holding banners that read “Fight 4 Females” and “Speak Up 4 Girls,” the protesters made their message loud and clear.
Julie Lane, the leader of Women Are Real, expressed her views to The Epoch Times, stating, “We’re here to exercise our citizens’ rights and make it clear that we do not agree with their policies.”
The draft of the CIF policy states, “All students should have the opportunity to participate in CIF activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on a student’s records.”
Ms. Lane referred to this policy as a “rollback,” expressing concerns about the elimination of separate sporting events for girls and the potential safety and fairness issues it poses.
Cynthia Cravens speaks at the CIF San Francisco regional meeting. (Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times)
Cynthia Cravens, who identified herself as “a lifelong liberal and a long-term Democrat,” delivered a powerful speech during the public comments section of the CIF meeting. She questioned the compassion behind allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports, highlighting the lack of consideration for the well-being of young female athletes.
Cycling coach Richard Wharton speaks at the CIF San Francisco regional meeting. (Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times)
Richard Wharton, a highly experienced cycling coach, expressed his concerns about the displacement of biological women in women’s sports due to the inclusion of transgender athletes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair playing field for female athletes.
One example of this issue is the case of former women’s cyclocross champion rider Hannah Arensman, who decided to end her career after losing to a transgender athlete in a national championship.
Beth Bourne speaks in a CIF San Francisco regional meeting. (Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times)
Beth Bourne, a concerned mother, expressed her belief that the Gender Diverse Youth Sport Inclusivity Toolkit is unfair to girls. She highlighted the potential negative impact on girls’ opportunities for scholarships and their motivation to participate in sports.
The protesters are hoping for a meaningful discussion with CIF regarding the policy change, rather than just attending public hearings.
In May of this year, CIF issued a statement denouncing discriminatory or harassing behaviors that hinder student-athletes’ opportunities to participate in competitions.
Different organizations have varying policies on the controversial issue of transgender athletes in women’s competitions. For instance, World Athletics prohibits “male-to-female transgender athletes who have been through male puberty” from participating in female world rankings competitions.
How do supporters of the CIF policy argue that it aligns with inclusivity and supports the mental health and well-being of transgender students?
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Richard Wharton, a cycling coach, also spoke out against the CIF policy during the meeting. He expressed concern about the physiological differences between males and females, emphasizing that allowing transgender athletes to compete with girls could lead to unfair advantages.
Members of Women Are Real argue that girls’ sports provide an important space for female athletes to excel, gain scholarships, and even pursue professional careers. Allowing transgender athletes, who may have undergone hormone therapy or not, to compete with girls could potentially hinder their opportunities and diminish the achievements of cisgender girls.
Furthermore, the group believes that addressing the issue of transgender inclusion in sports should involve thoughtful consideration and collaboration, rather than hasty decisions that could have unintended consequences for female athletes.
Speakers during the public comments section of the CIF San Francisco regional meeting. (Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times)
The CIF policy, however, has its supporters as well. LGBTQ+ advocates argue that transgender girls, who have transitioned and identify as female, should have the right to compete in girls’ sports and not be subjected to discrimination. They believe that the policy aligns with inclusivity and supports the mental health and well-being of transgender students.
The issue of transgender inclusion in sports is a complex and sensitive one. It requires nuanced discussions and considerations to ensure fairness and inclusivity for all athletes. While the CIF policy aims to provide equal opportunities for transgender students, it is essential to address the concerns raised by women’s rights groups to ensure the continued progress of women’s sports.
The protest organized by Women Are Real serves as a reminder that women’s rights activists are committed to protecting the integrity of women’s sports and advocating for the rights of female athletes. It emphasizes the need for dialogue and careful examination of policies to safeguard fair competition and the advancement of opportunities for all athletes, while simultaneously respecting the rights and identities of transgender individuals.
As the CIF policy allowing transgender athletes to compete with girls sparks passionate debates, it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved and whether a compromise that addresses the concerns of both sides can be reached.
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