Exclusive: A group of teenage girls is taking legal action against Oregon over a law that permits transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports. The two plaintiffs, Maddie Aishen and Sofia Carpenter, decided to pursue this lawsuit after closely following a public disagreement between Riley Gaines and Simone Biles back in June.
Maddie and Sofia had already entered the national conversation when they opted not to compete with transgender athletes during the Chehalem Classic on April 18th. After witnessing the online exchanges between Gaines and Biles, they felt compelled to take action.
“It was inspiring to see how the situation unfolded,” Carpenter said, reflecting on the impact of the feud. “It encouraged many to stand up for women’s sports.” Aishen also noted the negative reactions that Biles received regarding her posts on social media during that time.
In the midst of this, the Minnesota High School softball team, featuring a transgender pitcher, won the state championship, which Gaines commented on, igniting further discussions and controversies online.
Biles labeled Gaines “sick” in response, later issuing an apology for her comments but also deleting her social media account shortly afterward. This exchange resonated with Carpenter and Aishen, prompting them to feel betrayed by an athlete they once admired.
“It was like a betrayal,” Carpenter expressed. Aishen added that her respect for Biles has diminished as a result of the incident.
In light of these events, they are now being represented by the America First Policy Institute, a legal advocacy group. “Women athletes deserve fairness, safety, and equal opportunities,” a spokesperson stated, emphasizing the intent to uphold the protections afforded by Title IX.
The lawsuit details the challenges they faced while competing against biological male athletes, particularly citing their experiences at the Chehalem Classic. Carpenter described the emotional toll of that day, feeling “helpless and betrayed” as she was unable to participate in the high jump.
This situation has been labeled as traumatic by both girls, with Aishen recalling a moment of intense emotional distress during that competition. Despite any fears of backlash from this legal action, they remain committed to their cause.
Aishen aims to begin her college basketball career at Oregon Institute of Technology this fall, while Carpenter will finish her high school sports journey at Newburgh High School, which is among the defendants in their lawsuit.
“No matter the consequences, I’m determined to stand firm,” Carpenter asserted. The Oregon Department of Education and Newberg High School were contacted for comments but did not respond.
