Sen. Tuberville: The Senate will consider my bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act
Academic competition—especially in college sports—has become an integral part of the fabric of our nation. And at different times, sports competitions are one of the few things that unite Americans of all backgrounds. I think most people would agree that college athletics is a tradition of patriotism, which I am proud to have devoted my 40-year career to before becoming a Senator.
Title IX in particular has played a major role in weaving the fabric of this great American culture. It leveled the playing field by creating opportunities for women to compete and receive the same scholarships as men. It has instilled important lessons such as good work ethic, healthy habits, and teamwork for many young people over the past 50 years. It has provided millions of women from all over the country with educational and professional opportunities that have benefited them for a lifetime.
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The Transgender flag is also separated by the finish line of the track (Getty Images)
Sadly, over the past four years, the Biden administration has done everything in its power to dismantle Title IX protections for women in favor of strong gender views. President Biden’s Department of Education is fully committed to rewriting Title IX, issuing legislation that would force schools to allow men to compete in women’s sports and require them to share private spaces together. All in the name of “gender equality.” A few days ago, they withdrew the proposed legislation, perhaps realizing that the situation was out of touch with the American public. But their purpose was clear.
As a result, what I have long termed as one of the greatest pieces of legislation ever passed in Congress hangs by a thread. If unelected, unaccountable officials in Washington, DC continue their course, Title IX as we know it will no longer exist. The opportunities for women to safely participate in and benefit from academic athletics will be greatly reduced—not only detrimental to female student-athletes, but to the nation as a whole.
With President Trump’s stunning victory last November, the American people sent a clear message to Washington that they want to protect and preserve the original intent of Title IX. One of the reasons why President Trump won by a landslide is because he ran on the issue of saving women’s sports. 70 percent of Americans agree: men don’t belong in women’s sports or locker rooms.
That is why I am proud that my bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, or S. 9, will be one of the first pieces of legislation considered by Congress this month. This legislation would correct the mistakes of the Biden administration by preventing women from facing unfair and dangerous competition, and protecting women’s privacy in locker rooms.
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Penn transgender swimmer Lia Thomas talks to her coach after winning the 500 meter freestyle during the NCAA college swimming meet with Harvard on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act will achieve this by doing two things. First, it affirms that the provisions of Title IX treat gender “as recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genes at birth.” It’s unbelievable to me that this needs to be made into law—but after four years of riding the crazy train under Joe Biden, it needs to be stated clearly. Second, it prohibits recipients of federal funding from operating, sponsoring, or promoting sports programs that allow men to participate in a women’s sports event.
While this law is much needed to stop the erosion of women’s athletics, it is also important to me on a personal level. First, although most people don’t know me as a football coach, my first job after college was coaching girls basketball. Title IX had just been implemented at the time, and I saw firsthand the huge impact it had on women’s sports. For the first time, female athletes were given the same opportunities, scholarships, and resources as male athletes. To this day, I keep in touch with the girls I coached because of the opportunities provided by Title IX.
In addition, I welcomed my first grandchild this spring. I want for her what so many young women before her have benefited from since Title IX became law in 1972. I want her to have the same opportunities available to her, without having to worry about men competing with her, hurting her, or invading her privacy. . I’m sure there are many parents and grandparents across the country who want the same for their girls.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville gives his acceptance speech at an election night event at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. (MAGN)
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Ever since I came to the Senate, I have vowed that I will not stop fighting until the rights of American women and girls to compete fairly are fully protected. I am glad that the time has finally come when the Senate can fulfill my commitment. I encourage all my colleagues, Republican and Democrat alike, to support my legislation. By uniting behind the Women and Girls in Sports Protection Act, Title IX will be restored, tying together a part of the American fabric that has made our country united and not divided.
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