State Senator Pamela Helming, District 54 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
State Senator Pamela Helming, District 54 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
As a new school year approaches, significant changes may be on the horizon for school sports in New York. In May, the State Education Department proposed a new gender-neutral rule for school sports. If approved by the Board of Regents in September, this rule would mandate that schools allow boys to participate on girls' teams when there is no equivalent boys' team available. For instance, approximately 600 schools in New York have girls' volleyball teams, while fewer than 300 have boys' volleyball teams.
Currently, both girls and boys can play on opposite-gender teams if they meet eligibility requirements. Schools are allowed to consider whether letting a boy participate on a girls' team would have "a significant adverse effect" on girls’ opportunities, essentially determining if giving a boy a spot would take away a girl’s chance to play.
The proposed new rule eliminates this significant adverse effect standard. Schools would no longer be able to consider the impact on girls and would be forced to let boys join girls' teams without restriction.
Title IX has granted generations of girls and young women opportunities in middle school, high school, and collegiate sports. These athletic experiences help build confidence, teach teamwork, and develop leadership skills that serve them throughout their lives. For some, it opens doors to college opportunities they might not have had otherwise.
Critics argue that forcing schools to allow male athletes to join female sports teams undermines progress made for female student-athletes and takes away local control from school districts and the voice of parents, coaches, and school boards.
They believe that the Education Department’s attempt at equality could lead to inequity for all female athletes. Inclusion could result in exclusion as female athletes might find themselves competing for roster spots with males who often possess physical advantages such as size or speed.
Safety concerns are also raised with this amended rule. Allowing males to participate in female sports—especially contact sports—could increase injury risks for female athletes during competition.
On September 9-10, the Board of Regents will meet to vote on this new rule. If accepted, it will take effect on September 25, 2024.
Individuals wishing to share their opinions on this proposal can contact 7th Judicial District Regent Adrian Hale at Regent.Hale@nysed.gov.
"I stand with our girls."
Alerts Sign-up