This week, Concerned Women for America’s CEO and President, Penny Nance, signed onto a Conservative Action Project’s memo on the recently released Biden Administration Department of Education guidelines on Title IX. Please use our Action Center to make a comment about this 701-page rewriting of Title IX.
The U.S. Department of Education has officially released the Biden Title IX Rule for public comment, and it is even worse than expected. Title IX was supposed to protect women and girls from discrimination on the basis of sex. Not anymore.
Instead of upholding sex discrimination on the basis of male and female biology, Biden’s Title IX Rule imposes LGBTQ identities as the basis for sex discrimination. Under the fancy title, “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance,” Biden’s Department of Education proposes to rewrite federal civil rights law turning our schools into laboratories for promoting sex and gender ideology at the expense of women and girls.
Here are some of the major changes to Title IX in the Biden LGBTQ Rule:
“Gender Identity” is now “Sex”
School Personnel can be “Parents”
Abortion = Pregnancy
Biden’s Title IX Rule also overrules any state law protecting women and children from the harmful impact of gender ideology and requires all educational institutions to enforce an extreme LGBTQ agenda in our schools against the rights of parents, students, and teachers.
Join CWA in opposing Biden’s Title IX Rule. Now is the time to make your voice heard! Tell the U.S. Department of Education you oppose this radical rewrite of rules redefining “sex” and mandating that schools cater to the extreme LGBTQ agenda, causing harm to children and stripping parents of their rights to protect their children from sexual indoctrination.
Visit CWA’s Title IX Action Center to send your comment directly to the U.S. Department of Education today.
For more information, see CWA’s A Guide for Commenting on Biden’s Proposed Title IX Rule.
It’s Official: Biden’s Title IX Rule Is a Frontal Attack on
What it Means To Be a Woman – and More: Prepare to Comment!
Day One of the Biden Administration set in motion the moment now before us. President Biden’s sweeping Executive Order, “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation,” unleashed an assault on Title IX, the federal law prohibiting discrimination in educational programs and activities, including athletics, on the basis of sex.
Biden’s version of Title IX changes the fundamental meaning of “sex” under civil rights law. It says sex discrimination is no longer about being male or female but is based on perceived “gender identity.” The impact is to reverse protections for women. Men can now claim our identity and our place.
Biden’s attack started last summer in the form of a “Notice of Interpretation” followed by a “Dear Educator” letter to every school in America carrying a threat of investigations by the federal Office for Civil Rights. None of this is a legitimate way to change the rules.
Biden knows full well that the only legitimate road to rewriting Title IX is to follow the Administrative Procedures Act which requires a laborious process of notifying the public, allowing a comment period, and fully justifying any rule changes based on the comments received. His Education Department chose the 50th Anniversary of Title IX on June 23 to announce its 700+ page proposed rule. The full text is now officially published in the Federal Register.
Public outrage against allowing men identifying as women to compete in female sports has grown stronger after UPenn rostered biologically-male Lia Thomas on its women’s swim team. Team Biden is reading the polls. Biden’s Title IX Rule tries to dodge this controversy by claiming it will address the question of “criteria for participating on particular male and female athletic teams” in a subsequent rulemaking. That might be a convenient promise in an election year, but the published Title IX Rule applies fully to athletics as written, and nothing expressly exempts participation by males in women’s sports.
In addition to its impact on female student-athletes, Biden’s Title IX Rule should be opposed for many reasons:
Concerned Women for America is kicking off a vigorous challenge to this Rule on August 1. Prepare to comment!
On the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Penny Nance was joined by Young Women for America leaders and athletes Macy Petty and Chloe Satterfield to discuss fair play in women’s sports.
Listen to the new episode below. Check out more Concerned Women Today podcasts here.
On June 23, 2022, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee joined fourteen organizations from across the political spectrum in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, the federal civil rights law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. Organizing this Our Bodies, Our Sports rally as part of an inaugural Women’s Sports Week was part of our ongoing fight to preserve the dignity of women and stand with female athletes in law and policy.
Following the Our Bodies, Our Sports rally, Penny Nance and Young Women for America athletes were featured at a roundtable on Capitol Hill hosted by Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks (R-Indiana), followed by a press conference outside the Capitol.
Meanwhile, U.S. Senators joined the call for protecting women’s athletics. Sen. Tommy “Coach” Tuberville (R-Alabama) led the team, standing up to preserve the purpose of Title IX for female student-athletes. Sen. Tuberville urged the Senate to pass the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act” in a news conference at the Capitol with several Senate colleagues. Sen. Tuberville then took to the Senate floor to ask unanimous consent that the Senate immediately consider the bill for a vote. His request was blocked by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).
On the same day, Biden’s Department of Education delivered on its promise to release federal regulations reinterpreting “sex” under Title IX to mean “gender identity,” among other things. The proposed rule invokes President Biden’s executive orders demanding that all federal agencies incorporate radical gender ideology, thus rejecting the biological and physiological differences between males and females as the basis for sex discrimination. The proposed rule confirms the Administration’s intent to overturn the privacy and safety of female students by mandating gender identity-based restrooms, forcing girls to compete against boys self-identifying as girls in female athletics, and requiring teachers, professors, and school officials to use so-called “preferred pronouns.” CWA CEO and President Penny Nance reacted to news of the Biden proposed regulations:
“On this 50thanniversary of Title IX, when we are proud to celebrate the accomplishment of millions of women across the country, the Biden Administration outrageously offers new regulations that would redefine sex, equating gender identity with biological reality. What a slap in the face to women who have achieved so much; Biden has just erased you.
“Years ago, CWA sounded the alarm over men unfairly stealing the trophies and risking the scholarships of female athletes. We have filed three civil rights complaints under Title IX against the universities and colleges that continue to treat women as third-class citizens. Our 500,000 members will continue to pressure the NCAA, governors, and legislators at the state and federal level to stop cheating women and level the playing field.”
In related news, FINA, the international federation of aquatic sports, released a policy on “gender inclusion” for international competition in the wake of male swimmer, Lia Thomas, dominating NCAA women’s swimming in the U.S. CWA Senior Advisor, Doreen Denny, joined NTD news to comment on this development. Watch Denny’s interview here.
Penny Nance, Concerned Women for America’s CEO and President, responds to President Biden’s new Title IX regulations.
“On this 50thanniversary of Title IX, when we are proud to celebrate the accomplishment of millions of women across the country, the Biden Administration outrageously offers new regulations that would redefine sex, equating gender identity with biological reality. What a slap in the face to women who have achieved so much, Biden has just erased you,” said Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America (CWA), the nation’s largest grassroots women’s organization. “Years ago, CWA sounded the alarm over men unfairly stealing the trophies and risking the scholarships of female athletes. We have filed three civil rights complaints under Title IX against the universities and colleges that continue to treat women as third-class citizens. Our 500,000 members will continue to pressure the NCAA, governors, and legislators at the state and federal level to stop cheating women and level the playing field.”
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2022
MEDIA ADVISORY
Bipartisan Coalition Celebrates Opportunities Provided to Women through Title IX
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 23, female athletes, parents, and advocates will join fourteen organizations from across the political spectrum to rally for “Our Bodies, Our Sports.” June 23 marks the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, the federal civil rights law as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education.
Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Independent Women’s Forum, Women’s Liberation Front, the Heritage Foundation, Women’s Declaration International USA Chapter, ICONS, Save Women’s Sports, Alliance Defending Freedom, Independent Women’s Voice, Family Policy Alliance, and several other organizations are sponsoring the rally to celebrate female athletes and to highlight the need to preserve single-sex athletic competition.
WHAT: Rally for “Our Body, Our Sports” to celebrate female athletes and single-sex competition.
WHEN: June 23, 2022
Press arrival: 9:00 a.m. EDT
Doors open: 10:00 a.m. EDT
WHERE: Freedom Plaza (1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20004)
WHY: To celebrate 50 Years of Title IX and advocate for fair play in women’s sports.
WHO: Athletes in attendance will include:
Additional rally participants include:
HOW: For interviews or additional information please contact Katie Everett, Press Secretary at 571-420-2488 or at [email protected]
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at ConcernedWomen.org
This month as we mark the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is celebrating the achievements of female athletes and urging action to Save Women’s Sports.
Join us for the Our Bodies Our Sports Rally in Washington, D.C., on June 23 to stand up for women athletes and the future of Title IX.
CWA has been at the center of the fight to stand for the truth about the sexes and to save women’s sports. We are standing up for the rights of female athletes, and we will not back down. CWA is THE ONLY ORGANIZATION TO TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION against universities allowing males to compete in women’s sports TO CORRECT INJUSTICE IN WOMEN’S ATHLETICS.
Now it is your turn!
You have the opportunity to make your voice heard. Join us in Washington, D.C., on June 23, the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
Check out the website for details.
Hope to see you in Washington, D.C., on June 23
Penny Nance, Concerned Women for America‘s CEO and President, responded to the recent Good Morning America interview of National Collegiate Athletic Association swimmer Lia Thomas. After competing on the men’s swim team for three seasons, Thomas competed as a female.
Read Penny’s latest Op-ed in Newsweek here.
Women athletes are in danger of losing their rights to the desires of men who feel they are women.
The anti-science effort to erase the physical differences between men and women is regressive and dangerous. Women are being victimized in the name of an AstroTurf diversity that discriminates against all who do not conform to the personal fantasies of a few.
The effort has consequences that go well beyond women’s athletics. In April, a male Rikers inmate claiming to be a woman was sentenced to seven years for raping a female prisoner in the women’s section of the jail. Concerned Women for America, the organization I represent — a Christian, conservative organization — is supporting a lawsuit by the liberal feminist organization Women’s Liberation Front to fight for women’s rights on this front.
We are also witnessing the pernicious promotion of transgender ideology in public schools, which ignores the sad, practical reality of the harmful long-term effects of life-altering surgical procedures on all young people, but on young women in particular.
But legally speaking, the women’s sports aspect of this battle, which has the backing of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, should be preventing the injustices we are witnessing…
Read the rest of this op-ed as featured exclusively on The Western Journal.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Huber at 504-236-8546
Bipartisan majority sends the Fairness in Women’s
Sports Act to the Governor’s desk
Baton Rouge, LA – This week, the Louisiana House passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (SB 44). The bill, which has bipartisan support, now heads to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ desk for his signature. This is the second year in a row that the state legislature has stood on the side of female athletes and sent a bill to the governor’s desk. After vetoing the bill last year, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) calls on Gov. Bel Edwards to sign the bill.
The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act would prohibit biological men from competing on women’s scholastic sports teams. It would ensure that female athletes will continue to be afforded the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.
Laura Huber, CWA of Louisiana State Director, had this to say, “Thank you, Louisiana Legislature, for fighting for female athletes and passing the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. We now call on Gov. Bel Edwards to stand with female athletes and sign the bill into law. Female athletes in Louisiana deserve to have an equal playing field in their sport of choice.”
CWALAC is leading the charge to save women’s sports.
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at ConcernedWomen.org
The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) of the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is reviewing the Department of Education’s (ED) plans to unilaterally amend Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) to follow along with the Biden Administration’s radical push for an elevation of the concerns of men who identify as women, over those of women in all areas of federal law. It will effectively be the destruction of Title IX.
President Joe Biden has ignored the concerns of millions of women as he moved swiftly on an Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation, and another one on Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free from Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, including Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Women lose under the proposed extreme implementations of these orders, and that is why Concerned Women for America (CWA) is standing in strong opposition.
Recently, CWA’s Doreen Denny, one of the nation’s leading experts on the protection of women’s rights against the gender identity push that seeks to erase women’s unique makeup as women, Annabelle Rutledge, National Director of CWA’s Young Women for America program, and Mario Diaz, CWA’s General Counsel met with high-level officials from OMB and ED to express the concerns of the hundreds of thousands of concerned women members from around the country.
Denny’s statement set the tone for CWA’s clear stance for women and scientific truth in policymaking. She said in part:
Forcing a new interpretation of sex under Title IX is a direct threat to every woman and girl in America. What this proposed rule does in practice is nothing less than erase our status and protections as females. There is an inherent conflict in these policies already playing out across the country today: female students are being assaulted in school restrooms; female athletes are losing their rightful opportunities in WOMEN’s sports. Have you quantified those costs?
Let’s be clear: “gender identity” does not equal sex. Therefore, it should not be used to undermine Title IX protections for women. “On the basis of sex” as stated in Title IX, should be based solely on the immutable genetic fact of being male or female – not on gender perceptions.
A person’s subjective claim to being the opposite sex does not, and will never, make that person the opposite sex. Gender dysphoria is a real condition, and its treatment deserves compassion – but the answer is not to affirm a lie and require everyone else to comply.
Biology is not bigotry. As women, we expect that the sex discrimination protections of Title IX passed into law 50 years ago will continue to protect our safety, privacy, and opportunities based on our objective female status – as intended. Whatever objective you have for “inclusion” must not be accomplished on the backs of women and girls.
Ms. Rutledge followed up with a passionate plea representing the young female athletes who feel entirely ignored and under threat because of these ill-conceived, radical policies. Her statement said in part:
Young Women for America is made up of these brave women in high school, college, and young professionals. Each group is directly impacted by a refusal to uphold Title IX.
Our Young Women for America leaders have stepped up to the plate to do their part to protect women’s sports and are begging that you respect reality and basic biology by rejecting any proposed rule which would include gender identity. Gender identity is not sex.
We are in an unfortunate situation when high school and college-age females are having to uphold reality while government entities seem bent on undermining Title IX at every turn. Our leaders have asked for excused absences, covered their work shifts, and taken tests early so they can show up and fight for their rights by testifying in committee hearings and press conferences. They understand it is not just their rights, but the rights of all women who are coming behind us.
You may not be hearing these tragic stories – but sadly I hear them too often.
You can check out some of the testimonies below:
Finally, CWA’s General Counsel spoke about the illegality of trying to amend the clear text and protections under Title IX’s legal classification of “sex” by unilaterally changing the meaning to include “gender identity.” Diaz cautioned of the unintended consequences for women and of clear Supreme Court precedent that has ruled against such manipulation of federal law through administrative rules and procedures.
The Biden Administration officials were respectful and welcoming of CWA’s comments and expertise in this area. We can only pray that they actually take our counsel and slow down the left’s radical push in this area so that they may stop trampling on hard-fought, historical women’s rights victories in pursuit of a counterfeit diversity policy.
For Immediate Release
May 17, 2022
Contact: Katie Everett, Press Secretary
[email protected]
(571) 420-2488
CWA state leaders and activists continue work to pass these laws
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed the Save Women’s Sports Act (H4608) into law that bans biological boys identifying as girls from participating in girls’ sports at the K-12 and college levels. Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Carolina has been working closely with the governor and the state legislature to move forward with legislation that protects female athletes and champions their accomplishments.
“Concerned Women for America of South Carolina applauds the House and Senate members who worked so diligently to get this important piece of legislation passed,” said CWA of South Carolina State Director Madison Rainey. “We also thank Gov. McMaster for signing the bill into law. Now girls and women in South Carolina will have an equal playing field in their sport of choice.”
CWA’s Young Women for America leader, Emily Cope, a Chapter President at Clemson University said, “Thank you, South Carolina Legislature, for fighting for female athletes and Gov. McMaster signing ‘The Save Women’s Sports Act’ into law. This bill will protect athletic integrity for women and girls across South Carolina and protect opportunities for college scholarships for years to come.”
In March, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education under Title IV against the University of Pennsylvania for its discrimination against women by allowing Lia Thomas, a male swimmer, to compete on its swimming team. This follows two other complaints filed by CWA.
For interviews or additional information, please contact Katie Everett, Press Secretary, at 571-420-2488 or [email protected].
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at ConcernedWomen.org
ACTION: Ask your Representative to sign the Discharge Petition for H.R. 426, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act!
Fair competition and equality in women’s sports are under threat. Decades of progress following the 1972 passage of Title IX will soon be reversed as the NCAA and Biden Administration move to undermine the fair playing field for females—all to accommodate and prioritize males identifying as females in athletics.
H.R. 426 would prohibit federally funded athletic programs from permitting males to participate in female sports and specify that sex is based on biology. Courageous members in the U.S. House of Representatives have filed a discharge petition to force the bill out of committee and on to the House floor for a vote. A successful petition requires the signatures of 218 members, which is a majority of the House. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Title IX. Congress must show young women and girls that its protections still hold true in 2022. H.R. 426 would bring much-needed hope and ensure that girls’ sports are for girls only.
Please email, call, or tweet your representative through our Action Center HERE and urge him or her to stand strong alongside our girls. This issue is nonpartisan. Our daughters and granddaughters deserve better.
To see if your representative has signed the petition, click HERE.
For Immediate Release
April 22, 2022
Contact: Katie Everett, Press Secretary
[email protected]
571-420-2488
Washington, D.C. – Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) applauds the clear statement by the Republican Study Committee (RSC) that Title IX must protect women and girl athletes on the basis of biological sex not gender self-identification. Penny Nance, CEO and President of CWALAC, said:
“After 50 years of progress for women and girls, Congress must step in and save Title IX from doom. What’s happening in women’s sports today under the NCAA and Biden Administration defies science and common sense and is an affront to every female athlete in America. This radical agenda to obliterate the enduring differences between the sexes is draconian and erases women’s inherent dignity and status under the law.
“We have seen firsthand the NCAA’s indefensible and wrongheaded policy allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports and win national titles. Not to be outdone, the Biden Administration is weaponizing the administrative state to expand Title IX’s definition of sex to include gender identity. This must stop. Every educational institution has an obligation to provide equal opportunities and benefits on the basis of sex, male and female, otherwise, it stands in violation of Title IX.
“No school should be able to force female athletes to compete against biological males identifying as girls or displace female athletes from sports designated for women and girls. That’s why CWA has filed civil rights complaints against several of these institutions—including the University of Pennsylvania—and has endorsed efforts by Congress urging the NCAA and the Biden Administration to stand down from undermining women’s sports.
“This issue is nonpartisan. Our daughters deserve better. We thank the RSC for its plan to file a discharge petition and urge the House to act swiftly to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.”
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at ConcernedWomen.org
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2022
Contact: Katie Everett, Press Secretary
[email protected]
(571) 420-2488
Kentucky Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto
Fairness in Women’s Sports Act Now Law
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Kentucky Legislature overrode Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (SB 83). This bill bans biological boys identifying as girls from participating in girls’ sports at the K-12 and college levels. Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Kentucky applauds the Kentucky Legislature representing the voice of the people for showing Gov. Beshear his failure to protect female athletes from discrimination. His veto was an insult to every Kentucky girl working to excel in her sport.
“It is a momentous day in Kentucky. We are proud of our courageous Kentucky House and Senate members for standing with female athletes in the Commonwealth,” said CWA of Kentucky State Director Jennifer Pendleton. “As the mother of a female athlete, I celebrate this decision as a personal victory. This is great news for Kentucky!”
CWA’s own Young Women for America leader, Halli Gravelly, a Kentucky high school swimmer, gave powerful testimony before the legislature about why this law is needed after witnessing the impact of misguided policies that are destroying the hopes and dreams of young female athletes today. Halli had this to say about the veto override: “I am excited to hear that the Kentucky State Legislature to override the Governor’s veto today. As an athlete, I am excited and thankful for this new step towards fairness in women’s sports.”
In March, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education under Title IV against the University of Pennsylvania for its discrimination against women.
CWALAC is leading the charge to save women’s sports.
For interviews or additional information, please contact Katie Everett, Press Secretary, at 571-420-2488 or [email protected].
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at ConcernedWomen.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2022
Contact: Dilonna Coran
570-567-4171
Battle to Save Women’s Sports Wins in Pennsylvania Legislature
House votes to protect women
Washington, DC. – Today, Penny Nance, President and CEO of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC), and Dilonna Coran, CWA’s Pennsylvania State Director, praised the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for voting to protect women’s rights to fair play in sports.
Lia Thomas, a swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania, who is a biological male, has drawn national attention to the issue of men competing in women’s sports. Thomas has set records competing against girls, including in the NCAA Division I women’s tournament.
“Concerned women across the country proudly stand with Pennsylvania legislators who voted today to protect female athletes from being sidelined in their own sports,” said Dilonna Coran. “The injustice and hostility of the University of Pennsylvania against its own female swimmers is indefensible, heartbreaking, and nothing short of sexual harassment and discrimination.
“We are proud of Pennsylvania House Members who were courageous in this vote and we urge swift passage by the Pennsylvania Senate and Gov. Tom Wolf to do the right thing for women’s equality and sign the bill.”
In March, CWALAC filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education under Title IV against the University of Pennsylvania for its discrimination against women.
CWALAC is leading the charge to save women’s sports.
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at ConcernedWomen.org
Young Women for America (YWA) was your voice on the ground yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia, at Georgia Tech, where a biological male won the 500 free in the NCAA Division 1 WOMEN’S Swimming and Diving Championship.
On the same day, Concerned Women for America filed a formal Civil Rights Complaint under Title IX with the U.S. Department of Education against the University of Pennsylvania for refusing to protect the rights of college female athletes.
At Georgia Tech, YWA staff, alongside YWA campus leaders from Georgia and Tennessee, cheered on the female athletes competing and showed their support for women’s sports.
At the Save Women’s Sports press conference, Chloe Satterfield, a student at Georgia Tech, shared from personal experience what it feels like to compete against a biological male in female sports, and that as a Georgia Tech student, it is “so disappointing to see my school enable the NCAA to enforce its dangerous policy. The future of women’s sports is at stake, and I urge the NCAA to rethink its decision, consider the irreversible harm that they inflict on their female athletes because of this policy.”
Macy Petty, an NCAA Division 2 volleyball player at Lee University, spoke from her perspective as a college athlete: “In the rules of volleyball, the men’s net is seven inches higher than the women’s net. This height difference has nothing to do with personality, sexuality, identity, or anything other than biological facts. These seven inches were there for a reason because men are born naturally more athletic, and their sport reflects this.”
Just the day before, Macy testified before the Tennessee House Education Administration Committee on HB 2316, a bill that would prohibit males from participating in public higher education sports that are designated for females.
Young Women for America will continue to show up for female athletes and boldly advocate that GIRLS’ SPORTS ARE FOR GIRLS ONLY.
For Immediate Release
March 17, 2022
Contact: Katie Everett, Press Secretary
[email protected]
(571) 420-2488
Allows male to compete on women’s swim team
Washington, D.C. – Today, Concerned Women for America (CWA) filed a formal Civil Rights Complaint under Title IX with the U.S. Department of Education against the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) for refusing to protect the rights of college female athletes under federal law.
UPenn continues to allow male athletes who identify as women to compete in women’s sports. Lia Thomas (formerly Will Thomas), a Division I swimmer who is biologically male but rostered as a senior on UPenn’s women’s team, has competed throughout the season displacing female teammates in events and shattering pool, league, and national records.
Thomas is anatomically and biologically a male with physical capacities that are different from anatomically and biologically female athletes, which extends an unfair advantage and strips female student-athletes of opportunities afforded to them by law. The complaint also cites reports that Thomas’ own teammates have complained about UPenn allowing a hostile environment to fester in its locker room which has put them in apprehension.
Title IX requires equal educational benefits and opportunities for students, including in athletics, on the basis of sex. The federal law extends to any school receiving federal financial assistance, including public K-12 schools and almost every college and university in America. Thomas was also allowed to compete in the Ivy League Championships as a member of UPenn women’s swimming team and is currently competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) National Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, in direct violation of that law.
“The future of women’s sports is at risk and the equal rights of female athletes are being infringed,” said Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America. “We filed a formal civil rights complaint against UPenn in response to this injustice.
“Any school that defies federal civil rights law by denying women equal opportunities in athletic programs, forcing women to compete against athletes who are biologically male must be held accountable.”
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Concerned Women for America is the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at concernedwomen.org
Kara Dansky joins Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America to discuss the women’s sports issue and how we can protect the privacy and rights of women in today’s upside-down world.
Check out more Concerned Women Today podcasts here.
