US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that bans transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. Dubbed “Protecting the Rights of Women and Girls in Education,” the order gives federal agencies the authority to enforce Title IX, which bars schools from discriminating based on sexual identity on schools receiving federal funding. This move has received widespread condemnation from civil rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates, with claims that the new order discriminates against transgender athletes and divests them of their rights. This is the latest executive action taken by the Trump administration targeting transgender people. The order would permit the Education Department to sanction schools if they choose to take in transgender athletes by claiming those schools violate Title IX. For this reason, a school might suffer from federal funds being denied as a violation. The department already opened an investigation into Denver public schools for erecting an all-gender bathroom. He also warned the International Olympic Committee ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Trump said he empowered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to make it “very clear” to the IOC that “America categorically rejects transgender lunacy.” It has been causing controversy as far as the effects on transgender athletes and the rest of the LGBTQ+ community are concerned. Detractors are saying that it is discriminatory and will destroy all the rights given to the transgender. It may be subjected to court litigation because civil rights attorneys believe that it violates what Congress enacted into law and protections under the Constitution. “This feeling comes from sitting in India to read the news about how President Trump created an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. How personally I feel angry, frustrated, and disappointed to see such treatment. Growing up as a part of the community of LGBTQ+, it was bad enough with such struggles and even discrimination. Then, seeing it through a leader of the free world is rather heart-wrenching. This order gives a blow to the rest of the world’s LGBTQ+ community and is more than a challenge to the rights of transgender athletes in the US. It basically says our identities are not valid, that we are not worthy of respect and dignity. There is still a lot of work to be done to achieve that true equality of which we sing. As an Indian, I think of our own country and the issues we face in our own lands. Section 377 was recently struck down only in 2018, but we still suffer from discrimination and violence today. But to find a global leader like Trump propagating such hate really makes me think that our problems are not singular; they belong to a broader global narrative. Nothing has to do with sports and politics; this is about human beings. We talk about the dignity and worth that are inherent to every human, regardless of their gender identity or expression. Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I call on everybody to join us in rejection of this hatred and intolerance. We will not be silenced. We will not be erased. We will fight for our rights, our dignity, and our humanity.” The maelstrom also involves the NCAA. But questions remain on whether a president can order the change in policy from the organization through Trump’s executive order. NCAA President Charlie Baker says his organization would follow the law. The order comes at a time when the debate on transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports is growing. While some argue that transgender athletes have an unfair advantage, others contend that they should be allowed to compete in accordance with their gender identity. The issue is likely to continue to be a contentious one, with Trump’s order marking the latest salvo in the debate. Stay updated with the latest news.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.