new york — Manhattan's largest school district voted Wednesday night in favor of a bill that would ultimately ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports.
The City Education Bureau is against this.
Mixed emotions arose at Wednesday's meeting over the school board's resolution to convene a committee to review current gender guidelines for New York City schools.
“We're being attacked right here in this room,” teacher Alaina Daniels said.
“Please stop using these bullying solutions,” teacher Michael Dashiels said.
“There are a lot of physical safety concerns,” parent Linda Quarles said.
“This is an issue where our definition of gender continues to evolve,” said Leonard Silverman, president of Community Education Council 2.
Since 2019, students are allowed to play sports “according to the student's gender identity” rather than their biological sex.
“We want to talk to female athletes, we want to talk to coaches, we want to talk to doctors, we want to talk to evolutionary biology experts,” said Councilwoman Alison Bowen.
Councilor Maud Maron said: “We are not looking for anything other than dialogue.”
The school board, which represents Manhattan's largest 2nd Ward, voted 8-3 in favor of the resolution, but the audience was filled with people who opposed it.
Parent Chase Strangio spoke and sat next to him. actor elliott pagethe person who listened.
“I've seen young people commit suicide because of persistent bullying,” Strangio said.
“As a parent of a female athlete, I know we all are, but the fact is there is no broad consensus, nationally or globally, as to whether this is a benefit or a harm.” said Quarles.
One person went on an impassioned speech, exceeding the allotted two minutes for comments, saying, “Since I'm speaking, I'd like to ask you: Am I biologically female?” Ta.
“Denying people from participating in sports based on their gender identity is not only wrong, it's completely illegal,” said New York City Councilman Eric Bottcher.
He and Sen. Brad Hoylman-Segal, Rep. Deborah Glick, and Rep. Tony Simone issued a joint statement that read in part:
“After Community Education Council District 2 (CEC D2) elected LGBTQ elected officials to represent Manhattan’s vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, We are outraged that they are considering a resolution that targets…
“Resolution #248 is based on the false premise that gender identity policies negatively impact female athletes and that allowing transgender students to participate in sports diminishes the experience of other student-athletes. It originates from
“Furthermore, this resolution not only violates the principles of fairness and inclusivity, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and prejudice against a population already subject to vicious discrimination and harassment.
“Discrimination against transgender students not only harms the individual targeted, but also the school community as a whole.”
Although the resolution would not be binding if passed, opponents remain concerned about what it would mean.
“This is not about supporting women and girls in sports…This is a civil rights issue,” said City Councilwoman Jessica Savage.
City Schools President David Banks has strongly criticized the measures in recent months.
Earlier Wednesday, we asked Education Department officials how they planned to respond if this resolution passed. A spokesperson said in part, “All students are able to participate in sports and athletics according to their gender identity.''
However, no action plan was presented in terms of the city's legal intervention.
More than 4,000 letters of opposition were written to the resolution, sponsored by a local organization called Bigot Brocade.
