We, the undersigned, call upon our school boards in Bucks County to protect the integrity of girls’ sports as well as the privacy of our female athletes. It is crucial that we uphold basic principles of fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for girls within our schools.
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), the governing body for school sports, has neglected its responsibility to safeguard girls’ sports, instead stating that every district must make its own determination. As a result, every school district must face the decision of whether to allow males to compete in female sports.
We, under the banner of Protect Bucks, recognize the inherent biological advantages that male athletes possess. These advantages, including stature, bone density, lung capacity, muscle mass, and wingspan, among others, are well-documented. These realities do not disappear with the use of puberty-suppressing drugs. Due to these differences, the presence of male athletes on girls’ sports teams poses a unique risk of physical harm to female competitors. These advantages also provide for competitive advantage in earning roster spots, awards, scholarships, and more.
Furthermore, we advocate for protecting the fundamental privacy and dignity of female athletes in girls’ locker rooms. We believe that it is unnecessary and unfair to compromise the privacy of female athletes to accommodate male students grappling with identity issues. Respectful and practical accommodations, such as private changing rooms for athletes who desire to use them, can be made to ensure that all students are secure.
Central Bucks School District has initiated discussions to establish a clear policy, aligning with Title IX protections, to maintain separate sports categories based on biological sex. Its neighboring district, Pennridge School District, instituted the first local sex-based bathroom and locker room policy this year. These are important first steps towards protecting girls, but they aren’t enough.
We call upon the entire Bucks County community to support similar policies in all school districts. By signing this petition, you join us in expressing your support for these essential protections.
We stand together for our female student athletes. We recognize the urgent need to preserve their privacy, safety, opportunities, and dignity.
We thank you for lending your voice to this important effort.