Christian School Punished for Forfeiting Girl’s Basketball Game Against Trans Student

Due to mounting worries about the safety of its girl’s basketball team as it was set to play against a squad that had a biological man in the roster, a Vermont Christian school forfeited a playoff game in February. Administrators decided it was inappropriate for their daughters to compete against the opponent who was physically bigger because basketball is a contact sport.

The Vermont Principal’s organization has ruled that the school, Mid Vermont Christian School, will no longer be able to compete in tournaments owing to its forfeit. The judgment is described in a statement issued by the VPA.

“The VPA is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to participate in VPA activities in a manner consistent with their gender identity as is outlined in the Vermont Agency of Education Best Practices For Schools For Transgender And Gender

Nonconforming Students. Vermont’s Public Accommodations Act (9 V.S.A. 4502) and

VPA policies prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of students on school property or at school functions by students or employees. The prohibition against discrimination

includes discrimination based on a student’s actual or perceived sex and gender.”

Mid Vermont Christian School expressed its concern with the VPA’s choice. They claim that the rival school did not alert them to this potential problem early enough.

“Mid Vermont Christian school is disappointed with the decision of the VPA Executive Council to ban us from participation in all VPA activities. We intend to appeal the decision. Canceling our membership is not a solution and does nothing to deal with the very real issue of safety and fairness facing women’s sports in our beloved state. We urge the VPA to reconsider its policies, and balance the rights of every athlete in the state.”

To their credit, Mid Vermont Christian School maintained their convictions after making their decision, which sparked a commotion of annoyance from those who opposed it.

“Johnson’s nickname is also Rose “Not in This House” Johnson for his prowess in blocking shots.  In one game he had seven blocked shots.  That means seven shots, typically closer to the basket so much more likely to go in, were blocked by the guy who is taller than every other girl on the floor, can jump higher and likely is significantly stronger.  In what world is this even remotely fair to other Vermont Division IV girls?”

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