With the new school year approaching, State Senator Pam Helming is speaking out strongly against a bill proposed by the New York State Department of Education that would require schools to allow boys to participate on girls’ sports teams if there is no corresponding boys’ team. If approved by the school board in September, the proposal could go into effect as early as this month.

In a column published this week, Helming, who represents New York’s 54th District, argues that the proposed gender-neutral rule would undermine progress made for female athletes under Title IX, which has given generations of girls and young women the opportunity to participate in sports. She claims the rule eliminates the “substantial adverse effect” standard that currently allows schools to consider the impact on girls’ opportunities before allowing boys to join girls’ teams.

Helming warns that the new rule could lead to injustice because it forces female athletes to compete for roster spots with male athletes who may have a physical advantage. She also raises concerns about the safety of female athletes, particularly in contact sports, and the potential loss of local control over decisions in school sports.

The board is scheduled to vote on the rule on September 9 and 10. If passed, it will go into effect on September 25, 2024. Helming encourages affected residents to contact their representatives on the board to let them know their thoughts on the proposal.

“I stand with our girls,” said Helming, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity and safety of girls’ sports.

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