Alexandra Carter | Oppose SB211

I stand in strong opposition to the proposed bill banning transgender athletes from participating in college sports. This legislation is not only discriminatory—it’s harmful, unnecessary, and contrary to the core values of fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity in education and athletics. College sports are about more than just competition. They are about teamwork, discipline, self-discovery, and belonging. For many students, sports offer a vital sense of community and an outlet for personal growth. Denying transgender athletes the ability to participate in this experience based on their identity does nothing to strengthen the integrity of college athletics—it simply excludes and marginalizes a vulnerable group of students. This bill attempts to address a problem that doesn’t exist. The NCAA and other governing bodies already have fair and science-informed policies in place to ensure a level playing field. These policies allow for participation while also protecting the integrity of competition. By overriding those existing frameworks, this bill disregards expert consensus and replaces it with fear-based policymaking. Let’s be clear: Transgender students are students. Transgender athletes are athletes. They deserve the same opportunities to compete, thrive, and belong as their peers. Singling them out for exclusion undermines the educational mission of our colleges and universities, and it sets a dangerous precedent for how we treat any student who doesn’t fit neatly into someone else’s definition of “normal.” This bill is not about fairness—it is about control. It sends the message that some students are less worthy of rights, dignity, and respect. That is not the message our institutions should be sending, and it is not the kind of policy we should be enacting. I urge lawmakers to reject this bill and instead focus on creating inclusive environments where every student—regardless of gender identity—can thrive both on and off the field.