In a powerful and unrepentant Sunday, June 23 post on X, legendary college football coach Lou Holtz voiced his strong opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, arguing that it is unfair to female athletes. Holtz, a long-time supporter of Title IX, expressed his discontent with the current state of affairs, criticizing the Biden Administration’s recent expansion of Title IX to include gender identity.
Title IX, established in 1972, was designed to prohibit discrimination based on sex in educational institutions receiving federal funds. Its core principle is clear: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
However, the Biden Administration’s reinterpretation of Title IX to encompass gender identity has sparked significant controversy. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona described the revision by saying, “For more than 50 years, Title IX has promised an equal opportunity to learn and thrive in our nation’s schools free from sex discrimination.” He added, “These final regulations build on the legacy of Title IX by clarifying that all our nation’s students can access schools that are safe, welcoming, and respect their rights.”
Holtz, however, remains unconvinced. Taking to X, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the direction women’s sports have taken. “I was happy when Title IX came out. But here we are, many years later, and now we can’t even ensure women competing against women. It’s crazy!” he wrote, reflecting a sentiment that resonates with many who feel that the original intent of Title IX has been compromised.
The response to Holtz’s post was mixed, but many rallied to his side. One supporter wrote, “You’re absolutely right, Coach Holtz. It’s madness when a young lady trains all her life and her dream is wrecked by a male who can’t compete with his own gender. This needs to stop now!! God Bless you, Coach Holtz, for speaking out. 🙏🙏” Another added, “Thank you, Coach! More people need to say what they KNOW to be true and start publicly condemning the rewriting of Title IX!”
Holtz’s stance isn’t a new one. He has consistently spoken out against what he sees as the left’s overreach. In a recent example, Holtz praised Super Bowl champion Harrison Butker for his speech on traditional gender roles, saying, “Your commencement speech at Benedictine College showed courage and conviction, and I admire that. Don’t give in.” Holtz even included a link to America First Works, encouraging people to thank Butker for standing strong in his faith values.
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports is just one facet of a broader cultural clash. Many conservatives see this issue as emblematic of a deeper problem: the erosion of traditional values and the rewriting of fundamental principles like those enshrined in Title IX. Lou Holtz, with his storied career and unwavering commitment to what he believes is right, has once again put himself at the forefront of this contentious debate, calling for a return to common sense and fairness in women’s sports.
