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Title IX: ‘Let Us Play’ Campaign Solicits Public Comments in Support of Transgender, Intersex Inclusion in Sports

Press Contact

Contact Name
Ash Orr (they/he)

Washington, DC - The Let Us Play campaign is currently collecting public comments in response to the recently proposed regulation by the U.S. Department of Education regarding the requirement for inclusion of transgender, non-binary, and intersex students in school sports under Title IX. Organized by the National Center for Transgender Equality, in partnership with Athlete Ally, the GenderCool Project, InterACT, GLSEN, National Education Association, Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, and TransAthlete, the Let Us Play campaign calls on the community to submit public comments to advocate for full inclusion for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex youth in sports.   
 
Given the wave of efforts around the country to enact discriminatory sports bans focused on transgender youth, the Let Us Play campaign believes it is crucial that there be regulations in place to protect trans, nonbinary, and intersex youth of all ages. Sports are an integral part of education, and they teach many valuable lessons, in addition to providing young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to learn and play, be part of a team, and nurture relationships. The Let Us Play campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity in athletics and encourage active participation in the dialogue surrounding this critical issue.  
 
“My experience in high school and college athletics was an essential source of personal fulfillment, connection to my teammates, and development of life skills, something that I think we want all children to be able to experience.” - Sam Sharpe, Intersex and transgender former D3 NCAA Swimmer 

“I am the person I am today because of coaches, teammates, and competition. Generations of gender and sex diverse kids should not be denied the same opportunity.” - Courtney Skaggs, Intersex and former collegiate and high school volleyball player 

"It is absolutely critical for all youth, including transgender, nonbinary and intersex youth, to be protected under Title IX. Through the #LetUsPlay campaign, we hope to galvanize widespread support for the right of every young person to be safe, welcome and included in the sport they love, and to urge the Department of Education to ensure these protections.” - Anne Lieberman, Director of Policy and Programs at Athlete Ally 
 
"I believe every child should be able to live their dreams in and through sport. The #LetUsPlay campaign is working to make sure that transgender, nonbinary and intersex kids have the same access and opportunity in sports as anyone else." - Brianna Turner, Professional basketball player (WNBA), Athlete Ally Ambassador   
 
"Title IX helps to make sports inclusive for all athletes, and that includes transgender, nonbinary and intersex students. I'm grateful for the work the #LetUsPlay campaign is doing to ensure that all kids can have access to the sports they love, free from discrimination." - Becky Sauerbrunn, Professional and Olympic soccer player (USWNT and NWSL), Athlete Ally Ambassador 

“Right now, trans youth across the country are under attack from extremist politicians who seek to erase them. Trans, nonbinary, and intersex students need respect, safety, and autonomy, not additional scrutiny and policing of their gender identity in school. GLSEN is proud to be a part of Let Us Play, and we will continue to work to ensure that a final Title IX rule supports the full inclusion of trans, nonbinary, and intersex students in all aspects of education, including sports.” - Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN 

“All students, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or how they express their gender, deserve the freedom to play sports free from discrimination,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “The Let Us Play campaign plays a critical role in advocating with the U.S. Department of Education to protect the right of all students to participate in sports in every state in America. As educators, we know that athletics have long been a valuable part of many students’ academic experience. By playing in team sports, students can learn about teamwork and gain a sense of confidence and belonging. No politician should deny any student this experience simply because of who they are.” - Becky Pringle, President of National Education Association 

Supporters can submit their public comments at www.letusplay.team until the comment period ends on May 15th, 2023. 

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