Dueling protests outside William Floyd High School after parents say boy is on girls track team
The William Floyd School District has not issued a public statement. However, a parent familiar with the situation clarified that the student has only participated in team practices and has not yet competed in any events.
Tensions flared outside William Floyd High School Wednesday evening as two opposing groups held dueling protests over a controversial issue: the inclusion of a boy on the school's girls track team, according to some parents.
The protests were sparked by complaints from some parents who believe that a boy's presence on the girls team gives an unfair biological advantage. Kathleen Reda, a parent of a track athlete, voiced her concerns.
"Our girls are uncomfortable. They've been silenced, they've been bullied," Reda said.
On the other side of the protest, Carrie Barry, a William Floyd High School graduate, came to show her support for the student. Barry expressed empathy for the student involved, stating that she felt compelled to stand with them in the face of growing hostility.
"I would feel extremely bad if there were only people here against her and no one standing with her. So I just had to come out," Barry said.
The William Floyd School District has not issued a public statement. However, a parent familiar with the situation clarified that the student has only participated in team practices and has not yet competed in any events.
Some of the parents at the protest criticized the school district for not adhering to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which they claim mandates that men be excluded from women’s sports.
Officials from Suffolk County Section 11 have stated that New York state law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, making it illegal to exclude transgender athletes from participation.
