What a day! I cannot express how honored I was to stand on the steps of the Supreme Court last week on behalf of Concerned Women for America’s nationwide network. We gathered together, prayed, and boldly defended the truth, continuing to walk in the vision of CWA set nearly five decades ago.
Our leaders have been on the frontlines defending women in sports for a decade, and it has all led to this moment. For years, media, elected officials, and others have accused us of being alarmist and “solving a problem that doesn’t exist.” History proved us right, and finally, the highest court in the land took our concerns seriously.
I told Fox News,
Yesterday’s events proved that the movement to protect and promote opportunities for women in sports isn’t just a flash reaction to insanity; we’ve cemented ourselves as a legacy. One of my biggest takeaways was seeing the history we’ve built and continue to build.
At the Court, a diverse group gathered to support female athletes, defying political lines, spanning age groups, and representing states all across the country. The large group proved that the public doesn’t just see the issue clearly; they are energized and eager to take a stand. There were also dozens of female athletes with firsthand experience playing against men. Some of them have been speaking up for more than eight years, and more are joining the fight daily. The coalition is significant, and it’s still growing.
Despite the overwhelming support on the steps, there were a few noticeable absentees. Namely, the executives over at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Earlier that week, CWA’s Doreen Denny extended the invitation to Charlie Baker in a published op ed:
So, welcome to Washington, Mr. Baker and the NCAA! Female athletes and their supporters are coming to town to take a stand for women’s sports for women only at the Supreme Court. After years of protesting your convention for discriminating against female athletes, we invite you to join us this year to prove that you care about keeping men out of women’s sports.
I reiterated the request at the Republican Attorneys General Association press conference because the NCAA Annual Convention was this week in Washington, D.C. The organization’s top leaders were all in town, but, of course, they couldn’t be bothered to show up at the Court. Instead, they cowered just miles away while one of the biggest moments for female athletes passed by without them. Though rest assured, I’m confident they paraded around in Title IX t-shirts and empty talking points about promoting female athletics.
Institutions that have failed to protect women, like the NCAA, are exactly why this Supreme Court case and these state-level bills are so important.
Young Women for America (YWA) and CWA leaders have testified in dozens of states on bills like those in Idaho and West Virginia that were challenged in the High Court. We’ve supported these bills nationwide. Twenty-seven have already been signed into law, and we aren’t done yet. In fact, the day after oral arguments, YWA Fellow Riley Swedberg testified in support of women’s sports in the Wisconsin State Legislature. In her testimony, she shared:
The question before us it not whether people deserve dignity. Everyone does. The question is whether women deserve fair opportunity to compete in protected spaces.
CWALAC leaders are also working to pass similar bills in Iowa, New Mexico, Virginia, and more. Tuesday’s arguments marked a significant moment, but what makes it so big is the movement it signifies. The American people have had enough, and Concerned Women for America LAC is proud to continue working to pass legislation that protects safe and fair play and duly defends the dignity of women.
