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December 8
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Protecting Women in Sports
This Wednesday, we engaged in a critical discussion on the proposed Title IX rule changes by the Biden Administration during a House Oversight and Accountability subcommittee hearing titled, "The Importance of Protecting Female Athletics and Title IX.” The focus was on the harmful effects of recent rules from the Department of Education on women's safety and fair competition in high school and college athletics.
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 Riley Gaines, a former all-star swimmer at the University of Kentucky, testified about the unfairness and discrimination inherent in allowing biological males to compete in women's sports. Kim Russell, a former women's lacrosse coach who was fired from Oberlin College for advocating against allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports emphasized the danger of altering Title IX's language and intent.
My stance remains clear: the safety and fairness in female athletics must be upheld. It's crucial to recognize the physiological differences between men and women that affect competitive sports and ensure safety and fairness for females is not infringed.
After the hearing, a press conference with Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-09) reinforced our shared commitment to this issue. Democrat members’ treatment of witnesses, including Riley Gaines, during the hearing was concerning. They berated the witnesses and attempted to strike their testimonies from the hearing’s record. It is essential to maintain a respectful platform for all voices in this debate.
As a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, I will continue to scrutinize the NCAA's decision-making processes, especially concerning the influence of federal policies. Our goal is to protect and equalize the rights and opportunities for women in sports and academics.
In conclusion, I stand firmly in support of Riley Gaines and the rights of female athletes. This issue transcends sports, touching on fundamental principles of fairness and safety. I am committed to representing these concerns and upholding the principles of Title IX. |
Addressing Rising Antisemitism
This week, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx held a critical hearing in the Education and the Workforce Committee to address the alarming rise of antisemitism on our nation's college campuses, particularly at Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since October 7th, there have been numerous anti-Israel and anti-Jewish demonstrations on campus that violate their institution’s code of conduct. This hearing, pivotal in its scope and intent, sought to hold the leaders of these once esteemed institutions accountable for the lack of safety and care for their Jewish students.
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 As Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), the Chairwoman of the Committee, rightly noted, this is not just a matter of policy discussion; it is a matter of moral urgency. The instances of antisemitic behavior at these colleges have not only sullied their reputations but have threatened the basic security of students.
The presence of students like Jonathan Frieden, Eyal Yakoby, and Talia Khan, among others, served as a stark reminder of the real human impact of antisemitism. Their testimonies and experiences laid bare the extent to which antisemitism has permeated some of our most revered academic institutions.
At institutions like Harvard, where courses and seminars actively discuss race and racism, the irony of rising antisemitism cannot be ignored. The correlation between these educational ideologies and the increase in antisemitic incidents is a stark reminder of the real consequences of identity politics and radical liberation theory.
The responsibility to rectify this lies squarely on the shoulders of the university presidents. It's disconcerting to note that during the hearing, when Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) asked the presidents of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT whether calling for the genocide of Jews constitutes bullying and harassment against Jewish students, they failed to provide a straightforward answer. This evasion highlights the urgent need for not just acknowledgment, but decisive action against the ideologies fueling antisemitism. It's time for these leaders to demonstrate moral clarity and courage, clearly distinguishing right from wrong, and good from evil.
In response to the hearing, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx initiated a formal investigation into Harvard, UPenn, and MIT. Her commitment to thoroughly investigating and holding these institutions accountable for their failure to provide a safe learning environment for Jewish students is both commendable and necessary. This strong stance sends a clear message to other universities as well, House Republicans will not tolerate clear violations of misconduct and double standards on college campuses. I applaud Chairwoman Foxx for her leadership as our Conference tackles this issue. Lastly, as we begin the celebration of Hanukkah, I extend my warmest wishes to those observing this Festival of Lights. This festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, also serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish community in the face of adversity and rising antisemitism. May the candles of the menorah illuminate your homes and hearts with hope and peace.
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Celebrating the Disability Community
I was honored to meet with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and their advocate Kayla McKeon, to recognize a significant step toward inclusion of our friends in the disability community with the introduction of the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome.
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 Representation of the Down Syndrome community is so important. I am committed to advocating for laws that prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities, in particular aiming to ensure fair and equal access to lifesaving medical treatments and end the practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities.
I will continue to advocate for a society that values and respects the rights and dignity of all its members. |
| Sincerely, |
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| Pete Sessions |
| Member of Congress |
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