SMC Condemns Executive Order Banning Trans Athletes from Women’s Sports

SMC Community:

Santa Monica College condemns today’s presidential executive order (opens in new window) that bans transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. This discriminatory policy is a direct attack on the rights and dignity of transgender students and represents a step backward in the fight for equality and inclusion in sports. This executive order fuels discrimination, targets a vulnerable community, sends a dangerous message that transgender people do not belong, and is part of a larger movement to undermine LGBTQ+ rights.

SMC will continue to follow California law which allows transgender athletes to participate in sports. Legal counsel advises that numerous lawsuits challenging the authority of the U.S. president to issue this discriminatory executive order are contemplated.

Santa Monica College remains committed to standing strong as a beacon of equality and inclusivity for all students, irrespective of sexuality, gender identity, immigration status, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, or socio-economic background.

Through the SMC Gender Equity Center and Pride Center, the College will continue the crucial work of cultivating an equitable community that advocates for gender equity and affirms intersectional LGBTQ+ identities. We stand in solidarity with the transgender community and will continue to advocate for policies that promote inclusion, not exclusion.

Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President

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