University President Speaks Out Against Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

“It is wrong for biological males to participate in women’s competitions. Most Americans, and most of the world, know it is wrong,” he wrote.

he added:

Marginalization policies in the name of making school and college athletics more inclusive for transgender people are now unfairly ostracizing talented, hard-working female athletes and denying historical accomplishments of past female athletes. It grew to the point where he threatened to erase records and disband the organization. They fought hard to create and protect opportunities and protection for girls and women who were pioneers in the world of sport. Too many coaches, parents, professional athletes, and well-meaning people have remained silent while female athletes have been humiliated, silenced, and had their hard-earned opportunities taken away. That silence is complicit with fringe policies that threaten to dismantle girls’ and women’s athletics.

He also said that allowing men to play with women violates Christian ethics.

I am currently the president of a Christian university. I believe that God has shaped each of us, men and women, with intention and purpose. Furthermore, I believe that sex and gender are God’s prerogatives, not separate from each other or subject to change. However, my claim that it is wrong for biological males to participate in women’s athletics is not a Christian position. It’s a moral position. Although I currently work at a Christian university, most of my career has been spent in the public sector as a teacher, professor, administrator, and state superintendent. If I ever held these positions again, my position would be the same.

Lewis also cited history to support his position.

Throughout human history, and up to the present day, most people in the world and most Americans have upheld the truth that men and women have important characteristics. American society is organized around that understanding. Our sports organization exists based on that understanding. It is not a position of hatred or bigotry to state the obvious and widely held truth that there are important biological differences between men and women. That’s common sense. While I believe that most policy attempts to be inclusive of people who identify as transgender are likely well-intentioned, I believe that leaders who have the best interests of girls and women at heart are simply pushing female athletes away. It is hard to see how one can advocate or support practices that do more than just improve the status of female athletes. Not only will you be at a competitive disadvantage, you will be exposed to disrespect and embarrassment, and you will be at risk of harassment and assault.

“Come on. As the president of a university where female student-athletes step onto the track, court, and field every week to compete, I’m not going to stand by, but in some cases, it’s not fair. We are forced to do so in the arena we know is there. Please join us.”