During National Women’s Sports Week, Paula Scanlan, a former University of Pennsylvania swimmer and teammate of Lia Thomas, countered White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's assertion that concerns about women's safety in sports are "dangerous." Scanlan argued that the true danger lies in the inclusion of biological males in women's sports, regardless of the number. She emphasized the impact on young female athletes, citing the case of Payton McNabb, who suffered injuries after being hit by a ball spiked by a transgender volleyball player. Scanlan highlighted McNabb's subsequent decision not to pursue college athletics as a disheartening consequence.
Although Scanlan and Thomas competed in different events, Scanlan felt compelled to speak out. She recounted how the University of Pennsylvania addressed Thomas's participation only after the season started and the issue garnered media attention. According to Scanlan, athletes were instructed not to talk to the press, informed that Thomas's inclusion was non-negotiable, and offered counseling services. She described feeling silenced and fearful, unable to voice concerns due to a lack of trust. She also expressed anxieties about the potential impact on team records and scores, emphasizing that no athlete wants an unfair advantage.
Having received support from some teammates, Scanlan encouraged others to speak up. She is now advocating on Capitol Hill against transgender athletes competing in women's sports, particularly focusing on defending the original intent of Title IX during its anniversary week. She aims to counter efforts to reinterpret Title IX to include individuals who identify as women.
