A commission is being requested by the New York City school board to review its gender identity guidelines for women ‘ sports.
Manhattan’s District 2 Community Education Council approved the decision in an 8- 3 voting Wednesday. The commission would be given the task of reviewing and making recommendations for changes to the NYC DOE’s ( NYC ) Guidelines on Gender. Under the present instructions, players can compete based on gender personality.
Additionally, the commission had include views from “evolutionary biology experts,” coaches, female athletes in public schools, and health professionals. Any final changes to NYC DOE’s guidelines would be the consequence of an “inclusive” and “evidence- based” process, according to the solution.
” One of the things that every part of this government strives for is greater parent involvement, greater parent involvement, and a relationship with the DOE, especially on problems that are involving our children, whether it’s a social problem or an intellectual matter,” table president Leonard Silverman said.
The education department of the city’s raised concerns that when it developed the guidelines in 2019, the department neglected to take the opinions of those involved in girls ‘ sports into account. Jared Fox, New York City’s first LGBTQ+ liaison, developed the policy despite demonstrating support for protecting gender identity over biological sex in public school athletic competition, according to the council.
Linda Quarles, a parent of athletes, claimed at Wednesday’s meeting a lack of consensus surrounding transgender participants ‘ involvement in female sports proves the need for a review.
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There is n’t really a common understanding about the benefit or harm, according to Quarles. ” Every day, a state or country or sport are changing their rules and regulations, so I do n’t think this is a settled matter”.
Quarles cited concerns regarding biological female athletes ‘ safety, as well as athletic integrity, for her support of the resolution. New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, D- Greenwich Village, argued the action instead further disadvantages transgender participants.
The council member claimed that” this resolution goes against principles of fairness and conclusion, as well as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and bias against a population already subject to vicious discrimination or harassment.”
The resolution, according to Councilmember Bottcher, would have an impact on both transgender athletes and the wider school system.
” Discriminating against transgender students not only harms the targeted individuals”, he stated. Additionally, it “affects the entire school community and creates an unsafe environment for all students” ( p. 2 ), which can lead to increased bullying, harassment, and violence.
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Chase Strangio, a transgender rights activist, denounced supporters of the resolution and actions like it.
” I’m frankly disappointed that adults in positions of power are attempting to influence debates and policies that are rooted in discrimination,” he said.
The New York City Department of Education was approached by Crisis in the Classroom ( CITC ), but it did not respond right away. If there is a response, we’ll update this story.
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