MONTPELIER, Vt. – Vermont education officials are figuring out the impact of President Trump’s executive order concerning transgender student-athletes and its potential effects on local schools and federal funding.
The order, called Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, states that federal agencies can deny funding to schools allowing transgender athletes to compete. This has raised concerns because it conflicts with Vermont law.
Gregory Thayer leads a group called Vermonters for Vermont. He believes public education faces serious issues, including the participation of transgender athletes in sports. He supports the president’s order, claiming that allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports is unfair.
“Many people feel left out or disadvantaged in their sports,” Thayer said.
On the other hand, some see this order as harmful. Amanda Rhodenberg from the LGBTQ group Outright Vermont argues that transgender youth engaging in sports helps build their self-esteem and sense of belonging. She warns that this executive order could lead to more discrimination.
“This type of exclusion creates environments where not all young people can participate fully,” Rhodenberg said.
Vermont law prohibits discrimination based on factors like race and sex. The Vermont Agency of Education has determined that this means transgender students should be allowed to participate in sports in accordance with their gender identity. When asked if Vermont would change its policy, the agency stated, “We will continue to protect all students and ensure they have equal access to education and sports.”
Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark has pledged to support transgender athletes. “I want to assure them that I will fight for their right to participate and will take necessary actions to protect them,” she said.
The future remains uncertain on whether the Department of Education will act by withholding federal funds from Vermont schools over this issue.
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