Oppose HB28: Protect Trans Athletes' Rights in School Sports

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 28, which recently passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. This bill, which seeks to amend Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, would have devastating consequences for transgender athletes and the integrity of educational institutions across the nation. HB28 proposes to classify all sports teams and athletic programs in federally funded schools based on a narrow definition of "biological sex" determined at birth. This approach is not only scientifically flawed but also discriminatory. It would effectively ban transgender women and girls from participating in female sports teams, denying them the educational and social benefits that come with athletic participation. The bill's definition of "biological sex" based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth is problematic. Given that genetic testing at birth is not standard practice, this would essentially rely on the sex assigned at birth, which does not account for the complex realities of gender identity and biology. Furthermore, HB28 opens the door for potential harassment and invasion of privacy. It allows students to sue educational institutions if they believe they've lost athletic opportunities due to transgender participation. This could lead to a hostile environment where students are encouraged to scrutinize and challenge their peers' gender identities. The bill also mandates a study to document complaints against transgender students in girls' sports. This approach seems designed to create a biased narrative rather than to understand the full complexity of the issue. I urge you to vote against HB28 when it comes before the Senate. Instead, I ask that you support policies that protect the rights of all students, including transgender athletes, to participate in school sports. We need inclusive policies that recognize the diversity of gender identities and promote fairness and equality in athletics. The consequences of this bill passing would be immediate and harmful. It would not only hurt transgender students but also undermine the very purpose of Title IX, which is to ensure equal opportunities in education. Please stand up for the rights of all students and reject this discriminatory legislation.