Restore the Eligibility of Mid-Vermont Christian School

Jay Nichols
Executive Director Vermont Principals' Association
2 Prospect Street, Suite 3
Suite 3 Montpelier, VT 05602

Mr. Nichols and The VPA Executive Council,

As a concerned citizen, I am writing to you today in hopes that you will reconsider the current plan to punish Mid Vermont Christian School for their decision to not compete against a team carrying a biological male on their roster. I applaud the 30+ years of your life that you have dedicated to working within an educational system we all hold dear. I urge you to consider the historical importance of having gender-specific sports available and the opportunities they have provided for women in their continued fight against misogyny. Providing each student with access to gender-specific athletic competition ensures that the playing field is not only fair but most importantly safe for all. This alone should secure a complete reversal of the Vermont Principal’s Association’s decision related to Mid Vermont Christian School.

Specifically, I ask that you support our students in the following ways:

• Stop all planned punishment of Mid Vermont Christian School.
• Use the time and dedicated funds to reverse any decisions that put the dignity and safety of female athletes in jeopardy.
• Improve the regulations related to competitive sports to ensure that gender is based on biological markers.
• Begin a project that will assist athletes of the LGBTQA+ community to find comfort and success competing in their appropriate leagues.

Gender-Specific Athletic Programs are Important

Since the late 1800’s women have been working to find equity in school athletics. The stories of what women have had to endure to simply be allowed to play games across are amazing and the heroes in this battle are innumerable. It is hard to believe that it has been only 50 years since Title IX was signed into law guaranteeing a safe and equitable environment for women to compete. Most of us find it hard to believe that a select few decision-makers would make such horrific decisions and put 100 years of fighting in jeopardy while putting young girls in physical and emotional danger. I look forward to hearing your plans for overturning the decision against Mid Vermont Christian School and developing policy that ensures safe and equitable playing fields for all.

The importance of women’s sports extends far beyond a few kids having fun. I ask you to continue to support Girls, Women, and American Culture by keeping gender-specific athletics intact and by working to ensure that the rich history of so many people who worked so hard to break down gender barriers in our culture is not forgotten.

Sincerely,