Title IX protects all athletes, including marginalized ones

A recent letter from a Hiawatha man argued that allowing transgender women in sports is unfair. This misrepresents science.

Major sports organizations (NCAA, IOC, and World Athletics) have fair eligibility rules that account for the effects of hormone therapy, which significantly reduces any biological advantages. If transgender women had overwhelming dominance, they'd be winning across all sports. That is simply not the case.

Focusing on one example like Lia Thomas ignores that most trans athletes don't dominate their sports. In reality, they often face discrimination, exclusion, and barriers to participation.

Instead of targeting transgender athletes, we should address real issues in women’s sports, like pay gaps, lack of funding, and media coverage. Excluding transgender athletes doesn’t protect fairness. It just reinforces discrimination.

Claims that “80% of Americans” oppose trans athletes ignore polling bias and the fact that civil rights aren't (and shouldn't be) decided by popularity. Title IX was passed to protect marginalized groups, even when unpopular.

All young athletes deserve the right to compete, belong, and thrive. Let’s stand for inclusion, fairness, and respect, just as Title IX intended.

Danielle Allensworth

Cedar Rapids