Library staff in Davis, California, caused controversy when they removed an ongoing forum discussing “Fair and Safe Sport for Girls.” The event, hosted by local parents, focused on the California Interscholastic Federation’s policies regarding transgender athletes participating in high school girls’ sports. The reason for the ejection was cited as misgendering.
The event organizers, including Yolo County Mothers for Liberty Chairwoman Beth Bourne, had reserved the room at Mary L. Stephens Davis Library for a $75 fee. They had followed the same procedure for several similar events in the past. However, on this occasion, library staff ejected the forum due to misgendering.
Bourne expressed frustration, stating that the policies of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) affect 320,000 girls in California, but many parents and athletes are unaware of their origin and enforcement. The organizers aimed to bring transparency to high school sports and CIF’s policies to highlight the risks and reduced opportunities for girls to excel in sports.
The forum was set to feature speakers such as Sophia Lorey, the Outreach Director for the California Family Council, Kim Jones, a Co-founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports, Beth Bourne, and local parent Allie Snyder. The organizers extended invitations to city officials, school authorities, athletic directors, community leaders, neighborhood groups, and civic organizations to promote awareness of the event. Approximately 75 people attended, and about one-third of the attendees were opposed to the event.
Soon after the event began, D. Scott Love, the Library Regional Manager for Yolo County, stopped the proceedings. Love pointed to an instance of misgendering by Sophia Lorey, who referred to transgender male-to-female athletes as biological males. Love deemed this misgendering and had previously informed the organizers that any incidents of misgendering would be met with a warning and a request to leave if it occurred again. Library staff considered such behavior disrespectful and a violation of the library’s code of conduct.
The organizers relocated the event to a neighboring public park after it was interrupted. They chose to move to prevent any escalation and ensure a peaceful discussion could continue. However, this move meant that Kim Jones of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports was unable to deliver her remote presentation on the importance of Title IX and women’s sports. Allie Snyder expressed disappointment with the intolerance displayed by some individuals who adhere strictly to gender ideology and are unwilling to listen to differing viewpoints.
Snyder also questioned the library’s decision to halt this particular event, as similar events with the same organizers had been hosted in the past, albeit with some challenges. The organizers had previously faced issues such as being required to include a disclaimer about the library’s non-endorsement of their views. These inconsistencies, not applied to other organizations, including those opposed to the group, left the parents dissatisfied with the library’s handling of the situation.
In response to the event being halted at the library, the organizers have indicated that they are considering legal action on the basis of constitutional rights. They believe their freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble were violated.
This incident spotlights the ongoing debate regarding transgender athletes’ participation in sports. While some argue that transgender girls should be able to compete in girls’ sports, others express concern about maintaining fair competition for cisgender girls. As the discussions continue, it is essential to find a balance that respects the rights and opportunities of all athletes involved.
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