“Walk Off for Fairness Day” set, aims to highlight concerns over women’s sports
A statewide initiative known as “Walk Off for Fairness Day” is set to take place on Thursday, October 24, calling on high school athletes and their supporters across New York to walk off their playing fields in a show of support for women’s sports. The event, tied to the #GirlCott movement, aims to raise awareness about gender equality and issues surrounding recent policy proposals affecting girls’ athletics.
At the center of the debate is Proposition 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow boys to compete in women’s sports and access girls-only spaces, including showers and locker rooms. Proponents of the #GirlCott argue that the measure threatens both the safety and integrity of girls’ sports, with critics expressing concern over the potential impact on competitive fairness and privacy for female athletes.
Additionally, the New York State Department of Education has issued draft guidelines that would permit boys, regardless of gender identity, to participate in girls’ sports. Should Proposition 1 pass, these guidelines would gain constitutional support, further complicating the landscape for girls’ athletic programs.
According to a statement from Moms for Liberty’s Legislative Committee, “This proposal threatens to cancel girls’ participation in scholastic competitions and eliminates their safe spaces.” The group is advocating for voters to reject the proposition, citing concerns over fairness in competition and the protection of girls’ privacy in shared spaces.