While Ed Hammond says he supports students, comments made during a debate with state Rep. Barb Wasinger earlier this month suggests that his commitment to protecting girls leaves something to be desired.
Specifically, Hammond refused to say that he would support a ban on biological males competing in girls’ sports. Across the country, we have seen girls lose out on opportunities because they’ve had to compete against those with an unfair physical advantage.
In the 2018-2019 season, University of Pennsylvania transgender swimmer Lia Thomas was ranked as the NCAA’s 87th Division 1 male swimmer but took the 31st spot after competing against girls. What’s more, Thomas went from holding 554th in the 200-yd freestyle to claiming fifth place now and moved from 65th place in the 200 yard freestyle to number one today.
This is not an isolated example, as former Connecticut high school track athlete Selina Soule is suing her state after having been made to face off against biologically male competitors. She told Fox News, "I lost out on qualifying spots for the meets, better placement and possibly even scholarship opportunities. It was a very frustrating and heartbreaking thing to have to go through.”
The simple truth is that male and female bodies are inherently different: they develop differently and have different capabilities, which is the whole reason why male and female athletes compete in different divisions. Then there’s the fact that female athletes shouldn’t have to share a locker room and change clothes in front of someone of the opposite sex.
Hammond said at 1:02:58 in his debate with Wasinger that it is “common sense” to let the Kansas State High School Activities Association make decisions regarding transgender issues “on a case-by-case basis.” That isn’t good enough for our girls.
Wasinger understands this, which is why she sponsored “The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” a bill which was vetoed in April by Gov. Laura Kelly. At one point in the debate, Wasinger said, “I want to know why it’s OK to discriminate against young women.” That’s a question the rest of us should be asking too.
Eugenia Spady, Hays