The Legacy of Title IX: A Transformative Force in Women’s Sports
Fifty-three years ago, the collaborative efforts of courageous women reshaped the landscape of American sports and education with the introduction of Title IX. This landmark law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity that receives federal funding. When it was enacted, it opened doors for countless women and girls in athletics, making it possible for them to dream bigger and achieve more.
A Personal Journey: The Impact of Title IX
As a former athlete, I owe much to Title IX. It provided the platform for me to compete in sports, build resilience, and create lasting friendships. I honor those women who fought for the opportunities I had — opportunities that have changed lives and unlocked potential across generations. However, in a world where women’s rights have made significant strides, new challenges arise that threaten to undo this progress.
A New Reality: The Inclusion Debate
Fast forward nearly five decades, and many girls, including myself, are now facing the unexpected reality of having to compete against transgender athletes. This issue came painfully close to home for me during a high school volleyball match in September 2022 in North Carolina. I was struck unconscious by a ball spiked by a male athlete identifying as female. This incident led me to endure a traumatic brain injury, along with other debilitating medical conditions that altered my life trajectory.
Navigating Challenges: Advocacy and Action
Despite these personal challenges, I recognized an opportunity to turn my pain into purpose. I am now actively advocating for legislation at both state and federal levels that defines sex-based categories, ensuring that girls have access to single-sex athletic opportunities. My mission is to fight for those who come after me, particularly in states like New Mexico, where Title IX’s protections are still in jeopardy.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements in New Mexico
Recently, I attended the “Her Game. Her Legacy.” event in Santa Fe on June 23rd, celebrating the 53rd anniversary of Title IX. It was an inspiring day filled with stories of how the law transformed women’s lives through sports. Young girls were present, embodying the future and the aspirations that Title IX has made possible. Yet, there remains a gap in full protection and support for women’s sports at the policy level.
Legislative Efforts: The State of Play
There have been recent efforts to reclaim Title IX’s essence, including an executive order signed by President Trump earlier this year. Yet, progress is uneven at state levels, where some governors and legislators have failed to safeguard single-sex sports. Currently, 28 states have laws to protect women’s sports, but many, including New Mexico, have yet to see the same level of commitment from their elected officials.
Politics and Women’s Rights: A Conundrum
Polling indicates broad support across demographics for maintaining the integrity of women’s sports. Yet, the political landscape appears fragmented. In New Mexico, for example, no Democratic lawmakers have publicly supported measures to safeguard women’s sports, despite the evident demand from constituents. Their lack of action raises questions about the genuine commitment to women’s rights, a cornerstone of their platform.
Facing the Reality of Dismissal
During my testimony before the U.S. House Oversight Committee titled “Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” I faced dismissal from several legislators, including Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). Although she expressed sympathy for my experiences, the lack of substantial action to protect athletes like me speaks volumes about the prevailing political atmosphere.
Legislation in Jeopardy: The Fight for HB 185
When I testified about the Protection of Women’s Sports Act (HB 185) in New Mexico, the response was disappointing. The bill was swiftly dismissed in committee, much to my dismay and the discontent of many advocates for women’s rights. It’s disheartening to witness a party that claims to champion women’s rights fail to take a stand for the very issues they profess to support.
The Call for Action: A Plea for Courage and Integrity
It breaks my heart that Democratic leaders, traditionally aligned with women’s rights, remain silent while the integrity of women’s sports hangs in the balance. We need brave leaders willing to prioritize the rights of women and stand for fairness. It’s essential to restore the spirit of Title IX, ensuring that every girl has an equal opportunity to compete safely in athletic arenas.
Persistence and Purpose: A Commitment to Change
From Santa Fe to Las Cruces, I will continue advocating for the rights of female athletes. The stakes are too high for women to be sidelined in sports that should be dedicated to celebrating their abilities and talents. This fight transcends politics; it is about preserving the promise of equal opportunity for all girls, ensuring their safety and dignity within sports.
A Future of Fairness for All Female Athletes
I refuse to remain silent, fueled by my passion for sports and advocacy for fairness. The courageous women who paved the way deserve allies in their pursuit of justice and equality. As we commemorate Title IX, it is vital to take definitive steps to protect the rights and opportunities of all women and girls in sports.