NEW YORK — The largest school district in Manhattan voted Wednesday night in favor of a measure that could eventually ban transgender girls from participating in girls sports.
It’s something the city’s education department opposes.
There was a range of emotions at Wednesday’s meeting over a school board resolution to convene a committee to review New York City schools’ current gender guidelines.
“We’re under attack in this very room,” teacher Alaina Daniels said.
“Please stop these bullying resolutions,” teacher Michael DaShields said.
“There are considerable physical safety concerns,” parent Linda Quarles said.
“This is an issue where our definitions of gender are continuing to evolve,” said Leonard Silverman, president of Community Education Council 2.
Since 2019, students have been permitted to play sports “in accordance with the student’s gender identity” and not their biological sex.
“We want to consult female athletes, we want to consult coaches, but we also want to consult doctors, we want to consult evolutionary biology experts,” said Councilmember Allyson Bowen.
“It’s not asking for anything other than dialogue,” Councilmember Maud Maron said.
The school board representing District 2 — Manhattan’s largest — voted in favor of the resolution 8-3, but the audience was filled with people against it.
Parent Chase Strangio spoke and sat alongside actor Elliot Page, who listened.
“I’ve seen young people die by suicide because of relentless bullying,” Strangio said.
“As a parent of female athletes, I’m aware, as I know we all are, that there is actually not a widespread consensus either nationally or globally on the benefit or harm,” Quarles said.
One person went over the allotted two minutes for comment in an impassioned speech, saying, “I am talking, and so I’m asking you, am I a biological female?”
“Denying them ability to participate in sports aligned with their gender identity is not only wrong, it’s flatly illegal,” New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher said.
He, Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Assemblymember Tony Simone released a joint statement reading in part:
“As LGBTQ elected officials representing vibrant and diverse districts in Manhattan that are covered by Community Education Council District 2 (CEC D2), we are outraged that CEC D2 is considering a resolution targeting transgender girls in sports …
“Resolution #248 is based on the false premise that the gender identity policy negatively impacts female athletes, and stems from the misguided notion that the inclusion of transgender students in sports diminishes the experience of other student athletes.
“In addition, this resolution not only goes against the principles of fairness and inclusion, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and bias against a population that is already subject to vicious discrimination and harassment.
“Discriminating against transgender students not only harms the targeted individuals but also negatively impacts the entire school community.”
Even with the resolution passed, it is non-binding, but those who oppose it still fear what it might mean.
“This is not about supporting women and girls in sports … This is a civil rights issue,” said Councilmember Jessica Savage.
City Schools Chancellor David Banks has strongly condemned these measures in recent months.
Earlier Wednesday, we asked Department of Education officials how they planned to respond if the resolution passed. A spokesperson told us in part, “Every student can participate in sports and competitive athletics in accordance with their gender identity.”
But they did not provide a plan of action in terms of the city legally stepping in.
The resolution has resulted in over 4,000 letters written in opposition, sponsored by a local organization called Bigot Blockade.
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