1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The recent tragedy of Lia Smith, a transgender athlete at Middlebury College, underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies in collegiate sports. As your constituent, I implore you to take action to protect the rights of transgender athletes to compete in their identified gender category. Lia Smith, a freshman on Middlebury's women's swimming and diving team, faced relentless pressure and harassment due to her participation. She was subjected to additional testing to prove her eligibility, contributing to her feeling of being an outlier. The politicization of transgender athletes' participation has created a hostile environment that extends far beyond the pool. The NCAA's ban on transgender women in women's sports teams, implemented after Smith had already left her team, exemplifies the growing discrimination against transgender athletes. While this ban may not have directly caused Smith's suicide, it undoubtedly contributes to an atmosphere of exclusion and prejudice. This issue is not isolated. The Trump administration's policies affecting transgender rights in healthcare and education have further marginalized this vulnerable community. We must reverse this trend and create a more inclusive society for all. I urge you to champion legislation that ensures transgender athletes can compete in their identified gender category. This should include comprehensive support systems for transgender students and clear guidelines for fair participation in sports. By doing so, we can prevent future tragedies and foster an environment where all athletes can thrive. The time to act is now. Every day we delay, more transgender individuals face discrimination and exclusion. Please make this a priority in your legislative agenda and work towards a more inclusive future for all athletes.