Former NCAA swimming champion Riley Gaines is set to testify at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing next week, alongside other women leaders, to discuss the importance of protecting female athletics and Title IX. The hearing, titled “The Importance of Protecting Female Athletics and Title IX,” will focus on the Biden administration’s proposed rules changes to Title IX, which aim to expand the definition of sexual discrimination to include gender identity.
Gaines, who has been a vocal supporter of women’s sports, strongly opposes the proposed Title IX rule change. She argues that it equates sex to gender identity, potentially allowing male-to-female transgender athletes to compete against women. Gaines believes this would jeopardize women’s safety, privacy, and opportunities in sports.
During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in June, Gaines criticized the “rewrite” of the policy protecting women, calling it an “abomination.” She expressed concerns about men living in dorm rooms with women, having access to bathrooms, changing areas, and locker rooms. Gaines also highlighted the possibility of men joining sororities and taking academic and athletic scholarships away from women.
Furthermore, Gaines pointed out that misgendering a trans-identified individual could be considered sexual harassment under the proposed changes. She emphasized that women who feel uncomfortable sharing a dorm room with a male student and request a room change could be accused of sexual harassment.
The upcoming congressional hearing comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Two longtime alumni, Patsy Levang and Cheryl Tuck-Smith, were recently expelled from the organization after advocating for the admission of only biological women. Levang, a former Kappa Kappa Gamma National Foundation president, expressed sadness over the decision and vowed to continue speaking the truth. Tuck-Smith, on the other hand, plans to educate people about the perceived dangers of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
House Oversight Subcommittee on Health chairwoman Lisa McClain, a Republican from Michigan, is leading the hearing and has voiced her concerns about the Biden administration’s proposed changes. McClain believes that Congress must do everything it can to protect women’s sports, asserting that the proposed rules changes harm fairness and protection for women nationwide.
The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5 at 2 p.m. and aims to shed light on the potential consequences of altering Title IX. The testimony of Riley Gaines and other witnesses will play a crucial role in the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed changes.
In conclusion, the upcoming congressional hearing featuring Riley Gaines and other women leaders highlights the growing controversy over Biden’s proposed Title IX rule changes. The hearing provides a platform for the expression of concerns about the potential impact on women’s sports, fairness, and protection. The testimonies from Gaines and others will contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding this important issue.
