South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem today (March 22, 2021) announced creation of the nationwide “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition to defend fairness in women’s sports.
Noem says among the Coalition’s supporters are athletes, political office holders and others who cares about defending fairness in women’s sports. She says, “Once we have enough states on board– a coalition large enough where the NCAA could not possibly punish us all– then we will be able to guarantee fairness at the collegiate level.”
Noem says those interested in joining the Coalition are encouraged to sign a pledge stating:
- Only girls should play girls’ sports. Title IX was passed to protect fairness for women;
- The federal government should enforce Title IX in a way that protects fairness for women’s sports, rather than misusing it in a way that undermines fairness;
- The NCAA and other athletic sanctioning bodies should not take any adverse action against any state or school that acts to protect fairness for women.
To find more information go to DefendTitleIXnow.com.
Last week, Noem issued a Style and Form Veto on HB 1217— a state bill that bans transgender females from participating on girls sports teams. Her veto provides a handful of lengthy suggestions for how state legislators should change the bill to address potential unintended consequences of the legislation as originally passed.
Speaker of the House Spencer Gosch (District 23, Glenham, SD) says Noem used an unprecedented interpretation of the Governor’s authority in the style and form veto she issued. He says Noem’s changes include removing the law’s enforcement mechanisms while excluding collegiate sports from scrutiny.
Among the other legislators voicing concerns about the Noem’s proposed changes are the bill’s prime sponsors Rep. Rhonda Milstead (District 9, Hartford SD) and Sen. Maggie Sutton (District 10, Sioux Falls SD).
South Dakota legislators will discuss the governor’s veto of HB1217– and any other vetoed bills– March 29.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem announces the creation of the “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem announces the creation of the “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition. Former NFL player Hershel Walker (on the screen) waits to share his thoughts.
Athlete McKenna Prouty shares thoughts in support of the creation of the “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem listens as former NFL player Hershel Walker (on screen) shares his support of the “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem listens as former NFL player Jack Brewer (on screen) shares his support of the “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition.
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