Former Oregon high school track coach John Parks explains the need for a separate division to empower transgender athletes and ensure fairness in girls' sports.
Former Oregon high school track coach John Parks has made a passionate plea for the creation of a separate division for transgender athletes. In an exclusive interview with OutKick The Morning, Parks shared his reasons for advocating for this change, citing concerns about fairness in girls' sports and the well-being of transgender athletes.
Parks was fired from Lake Oswego High School after he raised concerns over state rules regarding transgender athletes. He expressed fears that laws offering protections for athletes who seek to compete against their self-identified gender could disadvantage female athletes.
High School Track Coach Advocates for Separate Division for Transgender Athletes
During his appearance on OutKick The Morning, Parks highlighted an incident where a transgender girl was booed by fans after winning a race. He emphasized that such actions go against the spirit of sportsmanship and can negatively impact the experience of transgender athletes.
"By having a separate division, you empower more transgender athletes to feel comfortable to come out," said Parks. "Because right now, I think a lot would feel like, 'Well, I don't want to do so to disadvantage, because I do have a physical advantage.'"
High School Track Coach Advocates for Separate Division for Transgender Athletes
Parks cited scientific studies by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other international sport federations that demonstrate the physical advantages transgender athletes may have due to higher testosterone levels. He believes that these advantages create an unfair playing field in girls' sports.
"I mentioned these things because it's what should be addressed, so the kids are cheered and celebrated for their accomplishments and not booed - it's not what sports is about," said Parks.
High School Track Coach Advocates for Separate Division for Transgender Athletes
Parks' concerns align with the recommendations of the IOC, which has implemented hormone testing mandates for transgender athletes. These requirements vary across different sports leagues and organizations, but they aim to level the playing field and ensure fairness.
Parks stressed the importance of creating an open and inclusive division that does not discriminate against transgender athletes. He believes that this would provide an opportunity for them to participate fully in sports without compromising the integrity of girls' sports.
"The OSAA competition rules need to be aligned with what the rest of the world competes under," Parks wrote in a letter to state Sen. Rob Wagner. "My proposal to encourage transgender participation is to offer an open division that is so named so it doesn't identify or discriminate but offers an opportunity to participate."
Despite his termination from Lake Oswego High School, Parks remains confident in his stance. He has received widespread support from parents and fellow coaches, who share his concerns about the fairness of transgender athletes competing in girls' sports.
The Liberty Justice Center filed a lawsuit on Parks' behalf, arguing that his termination violated his First Amendment rights. The case is ongoing and is expected to have significant implications for the future of transgender athlete participation in sports.
