1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I urge you to reject the policy barring student athletes from playing on a team of the opposite sex. This discriminatory measure not only harms cisgender youth but it harms transgender youth by denying them the opportunity to participate fully in school activities. It promotes harmful stereotypes and fuels transphobic attitudes. Trans athletes deserve the same rights as their peers to engage in sports in an affirmative and supportive environment. Making policy based on misconceptions about unfair advantages ignores the real challenges trans students face daily. I ask you to uphold the values of inclusion, equality and respect by opposing this unnecessary and divisive ban. All students should feel welcomed to be their authentic selves.