State Senator Pamela Helming, District 54 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
State Senator Pamela Helming, District 54 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
State Senator Pamela A. Helming of New York's 54th District has expressed her concerns regarding proposed amendments to Section 135.4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, which pertain to mixed competition and extra class athletic activities. In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner Johnson-Dingle, Helming articulated her apprehensions about the potential negative impact these changes could have on female student-athletes in New York.
Helming highlighted the significance of Title IX, which has provided generations of girls and young women with opportunities to participate in athletics at various educational levels. She emphasized that these experiences help develop confidence, team-building, and leadership skills essential for success both professionally and personally.
"The proposed amendments forcing local school districts to allow male athletes to participate on female sports teams, in cases where there is not an equivalent boy’s team, undermine both local control of our school districts, the voice of parents and school boards, and the tremendous progress made by female athletes," Helming stated. She argued that such changes would lead to inequity for female athletes by allowing males who are physically larger or faster to compete for roster spots on girls' teams.
Helming also raised safety concerns associated with permitting males to participate in female sports, particularly contact sports. She noted that this could increase injury risks for female athletes competing against physically stronger opponents.
Reflecting on her daughter's experience as a high school athlete who earned a college scholarship for lacrosse, Helming questioned how different it might have been under the proposed rules. She pointed out that prominent female athletes serve as inspirations for young girls and warned that these regulations could be detrimental at a crucial time in women's sports.
In conclusion, Helming urged the Board of Regents to reject the proposed amendments due to their implications for local control, student-athlete safety, and equitable participation in school sports for girls and young women.
Sincerely,
Pamela A. Helming
Senator, 54th District
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