Parent members of a Manhattan school board who support a public review of the city’s decision to allow transgender athletes to play in female sports have faced backlash in their professional and personal lives. The Community Education Council for District 2 passed a resolution last month with a vote of 8-3, calling for a study on this issue. Those who voted yes have reported being targeted in person, at work, and in their volunteer activities. One member, Allyson Bowen, shared that she was sworn at in the street, slandered at her workplace, and vilified online, including being called out by an anonymous comment on social media.
Supporters of the resolution argue that it is largely symbolic and simply calls for parental involvement, transparency, and a review of Department of Education guidelines regarding transgender athletes in sports. The resolution does not seek to ban transgender athletes from competing with girls, but rather aims to have respectful conversations about the policy. However, those who supported the resolution have faced backlash and criticism from the community. One member, Craig Slutzkin, was asked to resign from a professional association, and a petition calling for his resignation gathered approximately 200 signatures.
Manpreet “Pree” Boparai, another member who voted in favor of the resolution, expressed concerns that her vote has impacted her ability to give back to the community and be recognized for her civic work. She believes that her vote as a parent advocate should not negatively impact her other efforts to serve the community. Boparai also had an honor from Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine canceled following her vote on the resolution. Trans activists have also been vocal in their opposition to the resolution, warning the board of the consequences of portraying transgender individuals as a threat and promising to continue monitoring the situation closely.
Despite the controversy surrounding the resolution and the backlash faced by its supporters, they maintain that as an elected board, they should be able to call for a review of Department of Education policies intelligently and respectfully. Bowen, who co-sponsored the resolution, emphasized the importance of being able to discuss and review policies on various topics without facing personal attacks or fear of being canceled. Supporters of the resolution believe that it is a reasonable request to ensure transparency and parental involvement in decisions that impact students participating in sports according to their gender identity.
The debate over transgender athletes participating in female sports continues to be a contentious issue in many communities. Members of the Manhattan school board who supported the resolution calling for a review of Department of Education policies have faced personal and professional repercussions for their stance. Despite the criticism and backlash, they remain committed to advocating for thoughtful and respectful discussions on this issue. As the debate unfolds, it is clear that there are strong emotions and differing perspectives on how best to address the inclusion of transgender athletes in school sports programs.
