President Biden’s nominated candidate for education secretary, Miguel Cardona, faced questions about transgender student-athletes during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday.
On the first day of his term, President Biden issued an executive order urging schools to allow transgender athletes to participate in sports that match their gender identity rather than biological gender. However, Paul noted that the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights told Connecticut in 2020 that allowing biological men to participate in girls’ sports violated the rights of female students under Title IX.
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“If you are confirmed, will you apply the opinion of Civil Rights?” Ask Paul.
“I understand that there is a lot of concern about it. If it is confirmed, it is my responsibility and my privilege to make sure that we respect the civil rights of all students, and that includes activities they can do in high school or athletics. do., ‘said Cardona.
The advice from the Office of Civil Rights dealt with a case from Cardona’s home state of Connecticut, where he currently serves as commissioner of education. The case arose when female student-athletes filed a lawsuit and subsequently filed a federal lawsuit against state policy that allowed transgender students to participate in sports based on their gender identity.
The girls complained that they lost the top positions in track and field competitions and possible scholarships due to students being biologically male and having physical benefits. They claim that two specific transgender students helped their schools win championships.
Paul immediately pressed Cardona and asked, “What do you think the boys are running in girls’ track, like in Connecticut?”
Cardona said he believed it was ‘critical’ that educators and school systems ‘should respect the rights of all students, including transgender students’, adding that all students should be able to participate in activities.
Paul discussed the diversity between boys and girls’ sports and discussed how male students surpass their female counterparts. He claims that allowing biological men to participate in girls ‘sports will completely destroy girls’ athletics, depriving girls of opportunities and university scholarships.
“Are you worried about boys meeting in girls’ lanes?” Ask Paul again.
Cardona did not respond directly, but he acknowledged the difficulty and sensitivity of the matter. He recalls speaking as a commissioner of education in Connecticut to families who shared Paul’s concerns, as well as to families of transgender students.
“So I understand that this is a challenge. I’m looking forward to working with you and others, ‘Cardona said before Paul cut him off to repeat his question.
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“Do you think it’s fair to let boys run in the girls’ track?” he asked again.
“I think it’s appropriate – I think it’s the legal responsibility of schools to provide opportunities for students to take part in activities, and that includes students who are transgender,” Cardona replied.
“So you do not have a problem, that boys who run in the girls’ track meet, swim, you name it, are the boys who compete with girls doing well?”
“With respect, Senator, I believe I have answered the question,” Cardona said, reiterating his view that schools should offer activities to all students.
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Paul, who mentioned female athletes in his family, said he believes most people think it is “completely bizarre and unfair” to allow students to participate in girls’ sports based on their stated gender identity instead of biological sex.
“I think the fact that you seem to be afraid to answer the question, or you are basically answering the question by saying it’s OK without saying it’s OK, is an explanation for a real problem that we have and a rift between Central America and what most Americans actually believe, ” Paul said.