Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler released a statement today addressing reports that the New York State Board of Regents is considering allowing boys to compete in girls-only sports. According to Lawler, this change could significantly impact competition, harm scholarship opportunities, and create an uneven and potentially unsafe playing field for many female high school athletes.

“I am deeply disturbed by recent reports that indicate the New York State Board of Regents is considering a move that would effectively eliminate girls-only sports as we know it,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “As a girl dad, I can definitively say this is the last thing that New York State should be doing. It’s absurd.”

Lawler further stated, “Allowing high school boys to compete against girls in sports will destroy fair competition, take away scholarship opportunities for girls, and put girls at a higher risk for injury. I condemn the NYS Board of Regents for considering this and urge them to expeditiously reverse course – anything less is a total slap in the face to tens-of-thousands of girls competing in high school sports across the state.”

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.