Activist Athletes Demand Action Against Officials Permitting Transgender Participation in Women’s Sports

Activist Athletes Demand Action Against Officials Permitting Transgender Participation in Women’s Sports

Four months have passed since President Donald Trump issued the executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports”. However, incidents involving transgender inclusion in female sports continue to spark nationwide debates.

In several Democrat-led states such as California, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington, numerous officials have chosen to disregard this order in favor of state laws. This decision has led to well-documented controversies, primarily featuring biological males competing against and frequently outpacing high school female athletes.

The Trump administration has initiated various investigations and lawsuits in an attempt to mitigate these occurrences. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt has hinted at further measures, suggesting potential legal actions against states that defy federal guidelines.

During a press conference held on April 18, while addressing Maine’s resistance, Leavitt emphasized the legal basis of Trump’s order and Title IX, pointing out that those violating these regulations could face prosecution.

Despite these warnings, states like Maine and California have remained steadfast in their opposition to federal mandates. Among those advocating for legal accountability is former NCAA swimmer and conservative activist Riley Gaines, who has become a prominent voice in the movement opposing transgender athletes in women’s sports.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gaines expressed her belief that prosecution is essential in addressing this issue. She stated, “The implications of prioritizing a man’s feelings over our physical safety and rights to compete as champions are alarming. This could be deemed a criminal act, thus warranting legal consequences.”

Gaines has called for officials to be held accountable, specifically targeting Angel Cabrera, the president of Georgia Institute of Technology, for allowing transgender participation during a contentious swimming event last year.

“University administrators must face the law. The president of Georgia Tech should be among the first subjected to scrutiny for his dismissive approach to the complaints regarding this issue on his campus,” said Gaines.

Fox News Digital contacted Georgia Tech for a remark, but a response has yet to be received.

In addition to Gaines, other plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the NCAA include former University of Kentucky swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler and former University of North Carolina swimmer Kylee Alons. Together, they are demanding prosecution against those who permitted transgender athletes to compete in women’s events.

Wheeler shared her perspective, stating, “When institutions knowingly violate Title IX by forcing girls to change in front of boys and stripping away their opportunities, this is not merely a disagreement over policy. Serious repercussions must ensue for those breaking federal law.”

Echoing this sentiment, Alons questioned how anyone could oppose holding these officials accountable. She noted, “Recognizing the harm inflicted on women and girls is paramount. There must be repercussions for those defying the law to address the extensive damage caused.”

The legal representation for Gaines and her fellow plaintiffs, William Bock of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports, concurs with the need for prosecution. He stated that ongoing defiance of federal law, particularly in light of Trump’s executive order, justifies legal consequences.

Bock commented, “Since the executive order has been in effect since February 5, awareness of the law should have prompted compliance. Continuing to disregard it for months shows a blatant disregard for women’s rights, thus prosecution becomes a logical course of action to safeguard their welfare.”

To date, enforcement of Trump’s executive order has included funding halts to the University of Pennsylvania, where Lia Thomas, a trans athlete, participated. Additionally, the administration has paused funding to Maine and has initiated a lawsuit against the state.

The DOJ has also provided California a deadline to rectify its policies about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.

Gaines, Wheeler, and Alons have all expressed appreciation for Trump’s commitment to the issue. Yet, they collectively seek more substantial actions beyond mere statements of intent.

Gaines articulated the need for proactive measures, saying, “We have grown impatient waiting for adequate responses. Action must follow these declarations of support.”

Wheeler conveyed a similar viewpoint, adding, “While the executive order represents a positive move, enforceable protections that transcend Trump’s presidency are crucial. We seek robust measures that adequately defend women’s rights in sports.”

Following the issuance of the executive order, the NCAA promptly revised its gender eligibility criteria. Under the new regulations, only biological females are allowed to participate in women’s competitive events.

Nevertheless, the NCAA’s lack of clear enforcement guidelines and gender testing protocols has drawn ire from various women’s rights advocates.

In a notable incident in late March, Ithaca College permitted a trans athlete to join a Division III rowing competition. The institution claimed that participation hinged on a misunderstanding regarding event classifications. Ithaca maintains compliance with NCAA policies, allowing male athletes to engage in practice.

While the NCAA noted that the competition would not detract from women’s teams, they did not disclose any actions against Ithaca for its oversight.

The primary objective of the lawsuit initiated by Gaines against the NCAA was to prohibit biological males from women’s collegiate sports. Although the lawsuit’s intentions remain steadfast, the scope has expanded since the policy changes.

Bock remarked, “We have reached out to NCAA officials, seeking resolution and accountability regarding past infractions, while also urging the implementation of protective policies that prevent these violations from occurring in the future. Thus far, their responses have been inadequate and non-committal.”

Additionally, plaintiffs are pursuing financial compensation for all female athletes affected by the current situation, a remedy Bock believes will resonate strongly with jurors.

In his words, “The impact of these actions has been significant. Many women have been adversely affected, and we are confident that a jury in Georgia will acknowledge the importance of restoring justice through monetary damages.”