Memphis Standard

On September 17, 2024, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) addressed the Senate floor, advocating for the designation of October 10 as “American Girls in Sports Day.” Senate Democrats blocked the resolution, aligning with the Biden-Harris administration’s policy allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports by altering Title IX provisions. According to a survey, nearly 70% of Americans believe athletes should compete on teams corresponding with their birth-assigned sex.

Senator Blackburn's resolution is co-sponsored by 37 Senators and endorsed by advocates such as Riley Gaines, Caitlyn Jenner, and Sage Steele.

In her prepared remarks, Blackburn emphasized the importance of athletics for young women. "Across our country, more than 3 million female high school and college athletes compete, practice, and train every day to achieve athletic success," she stated. She highlighted that sports improve physical health, boost self-confidence, and teach leadership skills.

Blackburn criticized the Biden-Harris administration for its changes to Title IX. "It is so deeply disturbing to see the Biden-Harris administration wage a war on women’s sports," she said. She noted that since Title IX became law in 1972, female participation in sports has significantly increased. However, she argued that recent administrative changes undermine these achievements.

The Department of Education announced new rules in 2022 requiring schools to allow biological males on female teams. In April this year, discrimination definitions were redefined to permit biological men in women-only spaces. Blackburn questioned whether Tennesseans and Americans find this acceptable.

She commended young women like Tennessee’s Riley Gaines for opposing these policies. Gaines competed against a biological male at the NCAA Women's Swimming & Diving Championships in 2021 and was told her fifth-place trophy would be mailed while her competitor received theirs at the ceremony.

Blackburn called on Congress to support her resolution: "Now more than ever, Congress should stand with the female athletes fighting for fair play." She chose October 10 due to its representation by Roman numerals XX—symbolizing the female sex chromosome—and urged colleagues to back “American Girls in Sports Day.”