The Elk Grove school board voted 7 to 1 against a proposal to ban transgender students from competing in girls’ sports.Board member Heidi Moore proposed the measure, titled “Title IX and Fairness in Girls’ Interscholastic Sports.” District staff initially recommended against putting the item on the agenda saying it’s against state law. That state law allows students to participate in athletic teams consistent with their gender identity. Most board members who voted against the ban expressed that the issue is still being debated in the courts, and they prefer to wait for further guidance before making any decisions. More than 20 people spoke on the issue during public comment, with the majority supporting the ban. “Boys and girls are built differently. This isn’t just opinion, it is biology. Boys typically have weight and muscle mass, higher bone density and stronger upper body strength. This gives them a clear and undeniable advantage in many sports, especially in one like volleyball,” one speaker said. “Let us be clear. The proposed resolution is overt discrimination against transgender and gender diverse children. Denying any child access to athletics harms physical health, deteriorates mental health and strips away critical opportunities for teamwork, friendships and a sense of belonging,” another speaker said. There were a few outbursts following the vote. If passed, the proposal would not have created an immediate ban, but would have added the measure to a future agenda for further discussion. The board’s decision means the measure will not be considered at future meetings.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
The Elk Grove school board voted 7 to 1 against a proposal to ban transgender students from competing in girls’ sports.
Board member Heidi Moore proposed the measure, titled “Title IX and Fairness in Girls’ Interscholastic Sports.”
District staff initially recommended against putting the item on the agenda saying it’s against state law. That state law allows students to participate in athletic teams consistent with their gender identity.
Most board members who voted against the ban expressed that the issue is still being debated in the courts, and they prefer to wait for further guidance before making any decisions.
More than 20 people spoke on the issue during public comment, with the majority supporting the ban.
“Boys and girls are built differently. This isn’t just opinion, it is biology. Boys typically have weight and muscle mass, higher bone density and stronger upper body strength. This gives them a clear and undeniable advantage in many sports, especially in one like volleyball,” one speaker said.
“Let us be clear. The proposed resolution is overt discrimination against transgender and gender diverse children. Denying any child access to athletics harms physical health, deteriorates mental health and strips away critical opportunities for teamwork, friendships and a sense of belonging,” another speaker said.
There were a few outbursts following the vote.
If passed, the proposal would not have created an immediate ban, but would have added the measure to a future agenda for further discussion.
The board’s decision means the measure will not be considered at future meetings.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel