Former Gymnast Supports Trump's Executive Order on Transgender Athletes
Former gymnast Jennifer Sey supports Trump's executive order against transgender athletes in women's sports. Local controversies in California highlight ongoing debates about gender, sports, and rights.
Former national champion gymnast and XX-XY Athletics CEO Jennifer Sey has expressed her support for President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at blocking transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.
The issue gained attention when a middle school in San Diego faced controversy due to a transgender student using the girls' locker room. This prompted the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to vote against a measure called the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which sought to prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports and using girls' locker rooms.
Vice Chair Jim Desmond introduced the proposal during a board meeting, but it received no support from his fellow supervisors. Desmond remarked, "People came into the meeting with their minds already made up on the issue." He noted that a majority of attendees were concerned mothers who felt it was unfair for biological males to participate in women's sports.
The San Elijo Middle School defended its actions in a statement, emphasizing its obligation to follow California state law, which supports transgender students' rights. The statement read: "Our district remains committed to upholding policies that support all students in accordance with state protections and anti-discrimination laws."
Trump recently signed the "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order, which threatens federal funding for educational institutions that allow biological males to compete in women's sports. Despite this, states like California refuse to comply, with California public schools receiving approximately USD 16.8 billion annually, more than the national average.
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) also stated it would continue to comply with state laws allowing students to participate based on their gender identity. Desmond expressed concern among local constituents regarding the state's handling of these issues, suggesting that it could weaken support for the Democratic party.
Protests against this situation have already occurred, with residents rallying and threatening lawsuits against the CIF and the state. An ongoing lawsuit involves a trans athlete in the girls' cross-country team at Martin Luther King High School, and parents in the Riverside Unified School District have voiced their opposition at school board meetings.
The controversy has led to various incidents, such as a volleyball team's forfeiture due to the presence of a trans athlete. Additionally, California State Assembly member Kate Sanchez has announced her intention to introduce the Protect Girls' Sports Act, similar to laws enacted in other states.
