“The cruelty of some of these bills goes far beyond exclusion,” she laments. “Earlier this year, the Ohio House passed a measure permitting invasive sex verification for student-athletes. The law is so vaguely written that it risked opening the door for anyone, including a parent or coach, to knock out a competitor by challenging his or her sex.”
Rosenberg feels that high school athletic programs will enact full-blown inquisitions in which girls are forced to prove their biological gender.
Citing statistics that a majority of high school athletes do not go on to play in college, Rosenberg concludes that victories could actually lead to greater harm.
“A first-place finish or another win won’t ultimately be the key to a college scholarship, an Olympic berth, or the attentions of a pro scout,” she says. “Under these circumstances, parents have an obligation to foster not just excellence, but a sense of perspective, proportion and good sportsmanship.”
