Jason Saylor: Ensuring fairness in school sports: why I am suing the state

Four years ago, I stepped into the public arena, running for the Perkiomen Valley School Board in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, I was determined to put an end to the unnecessary masking and school closures that disrupted our children’s education and well-being. Today, I stand once again to fight for what is right — this time, ensuring that school sports remain fair and based on the undeniable biological reality of two genders.

Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech has always resonated with me. It is easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize, but real change comes from those who step forward and engage in the process, even when it means facing criticism and opposition. I have always believed in the power of service, the importance of integrity, and the conviction to stand firm in the face of adversity. My guiding philosophy, rooted in optimism, empathy, and respect, has led me to champion policies that support students and uphold the fundamental truths that make our society strong.

As school board president at the time, I successfully led efforts to maintain gender-specific restrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex. This was not about being anti-LGBTQ or opposing diversity — it was about ensuring fairness and safety for all students. I was prepared to extend this policy into school sports, but now, Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Commission has enacted language that threatens to undo these efforts. In response, I am taking legal action against the state to uphold what I and so many others know to be true: sports should be separated by biological sex, not subjective identity.

Let’s be clear: this is not a question of inclusion, nor is it about limiting opportunities for anyone. It is about fairness, science, and common sense. The fundamental reality of male and female bodies is not a political debate — it is a biological fact. Allowing biological males to compete in female sports undermines the very integrity of competition. It disadvantages female athletes who have trained tirelessly to compete on an even playing field.

The push to redefine gender in our schools has gone beyond sports. We now see safe-space signs that send the wrong message, schools forcing students to declare pronouns, and curricula that confuse children by teaching them that there are more than two genders. This is not education; it is indoctrination. Our focus should be on what we can do — encouraging students to strive for greatness, setting high expectations, and giving them the tools to succeed — not on what we cannot do or what society tells us we must accept without question.

The movement to erase the distinctions between men and women is not a triumph of inclusivity; it is a distortion of reality that has far-reaching consequences. As a conservative, I respect everyone’s right to live as they choose. But respect does not mean denying biological truth. It does not mean allowing ideology to override fairness and logic. And it certainly does not mean forcing students to conform to a worldview that contradicts both science and common sense.

Some will argue that codifying a two-gender system contradicts inclusivity. I strongly disagree. True inclusivity does not mean abandoning fundamental truths. It does not mean silencing those who believe in biological reality. It means creating an environment where fairness and respect coexist, without forcing ideology upon students and families who disagree.

This fight is about doing what is right, not what is popular. It is about ensuring that young athletes — especially young women — have a fair chance to compete without fear of losing opportunities to individuals who have a biological advantage. It is about preserving a clear and honest definition of gender in schools so that children are not confused or pressured into adopting beliefs that contradict reality.

I am a husband, a father to a high school junior, and a proud resident of Skippack, Pennsylvania. My commitment to this community has never wavered, and my resolve to stand up for what is right has never been stronger.

I urge parents, educators, and community members to join me in this effort. This lawsuit is not just about policy; it is about protecting our children, preserving fairness in education and sports, and ensuring that truth is not sacrificed in the name of ideology. The future of our schools — and the integrity of competition — depends on it.

Jason Saylor is currently a member of the Perkiomen Valley School Board of Directors.