Accuracy in Media has released a troubling video showing an Ohio school official advising parents on how to skirt laws designed to keep girls safe in sports. The footage features Tamette Duckworth, the Assistant Athletic Director at Princeton City Schools. In it, she consults with undercover investigators posing as parents of a transgender student. The aim appears to be finding ways to allow this student to participate in girls’ sports and access female facilities.
In 2023, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed House Bill 68, which aimed to ban gender-affirming care for minors and restrict transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. Even after the State Senate attempted to override this veto, Duckworth’s actions suggest a willingness to break or evade the law. The investigators ask her if a transgender student could join girls’ teams without anyone knowing their biological sex, to which Duckworth confidently nods. “I would say whether it’s at Princeton or at another school I would suggest that,” she states.
This exchange raises significant questions about the protection of women and girls in school athletics. Duckworth’s comments illustrate a concerning mindset—one that may prioritize inclusion over compliance with state laws intended to safeguard female competitors. When pressed about the risks of someone discovering the student’s transgender status, she laughs and says, “yeah,” confirming that as long as no one finds out, everything should be fine.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding transgender participation in sports. Many believe such policies jeopardize the fairness of female athletics by allowing biological males to compete against women and girls. Duckworth’s approach, as shown in the video, suggests a dismissive attitude towards the concerns that have prompted many states to legislate protective measures.
Accountability in school districts cannot be overlooked. School officials are entrusted with the safety and integrity of sports programs. Yet, the strategy outlined by Duckworth could undermine these very principles, signaling a disregard for laws aimed at protecting female athletes.
This video serves as a wake-up call about the lengths to which some administrators might go to override legal frameworks designed to protect young girls. The implications of disregarding established laws raise ethical questions about fairness, safety, and the true spirit of competition in schools across the nation. As this conversation unfolds, it is critical to pay attention to the broader implications for sports and educational institutions.
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