A private school in Massachusetts supports its decision to allow a transgender basketball player to play on its girls’ team, citing “harmful comments” from critics outraged by claims that three opposing players were injured. ‘ was strongly criticized.
Lin, a KIPP Academy player, came forward after a coach said he was worried the female players would get hurt after videos of several being knocked down by a 6-foot-tall transgender player appeared online. He withdrew from a recent game and left another team.
KIPP Executive Director Rhonda “Nicki” Burns said: Recognized by the Boston Globe This week, it was revealed that an unidentified athlete has admitted to being transgender and is also on the women’s volleyball and track and field teams.
“To our knowledge, this student has never played on a KIPP men’s team,” Burns told the newspaper.
Despite the uproar over the game, KIPP stood by the decision to field an unidentified trans woman, and despite the outrage from female athletes, suggested the scandal was just the work of web warriors.
“We condemn harmful comments made online against members of our community and will continue to guide our actions by our organization’s vision, mission, and principles,” said Academy spokeswoman Samantha. Cook told the Globe.
“KIPP Massachusetts’ vision is to empower all children to grow up free and create the future they want for themselves and their communities,” Burns previously told Fox News Digital.
“We also support state laws and regulations that give students the right to participate in all school extracurricular activities and sports based on their gender identity or expression,” the executive director said.
The school also receives support from the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.
Its executive director, Carol Rose, slammed the now-viral clip. Shared by former NCAA swimmer Riley Gainesit is said to be “part of a coordinated nationwide attempt to exclude LGBTQ people from public life.”
She said there are “hundreds, maybe even thousands” of trans students here participating in high school sports without issue, and added that “allegations of offensive conduct by certain players and issues of broader inclusion” He warned not to confuse the two.
After speaking with parents, players, and coaches, the opposing team, Lowell University, found that “most of the players did not want to continue the game after witnessing the third player’s injury and the situation.” announced that he had withdrawn from the February 8th match. about that play,” a spokesperson told the Globe.
“We follow Massachusetts law that protects the rights of students,” spokeswoman Casey Crane said. “However, we need further guidance on safety measures and how to do so.”
She noted that the team was also concerned about whether it would be able to play in the playoff games, which were just four days away.
School officials have previously reiterated that “its values are both inclusiveness and safety for all students.”
Affiliated with Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association handbookThe state’s governing body for high school sports stipulates that “no student shall be excluded from participation in a sports team for the gender that corresponds with the student’s true gender identity.”
However, it also states that students cannot be added to the register “solely for the purpose of obtaining unfair advantage.”
A spokesperson said the sports association was “aware” of the incident. told the Boston Herald.
“MIAA continues to serve as a resource for member schools in understanding the facts of issues at the local level,” the group said.
