Shapiro ducks as parents demand fairness in girls’ sports
Beth Ann Rosica’s writings are a blend of news, opinion, and analysis.
Local moms and advocates launched a campaign last month at several high school track events to educate the community about boys competing in girls’ sports.
Initially, the women planned to hand out flyers with information about the Defending Our Daughters initiative at the Hatboro-Horsham High School meet on April 21, 2026. However, the district’s athletic director, Dr. P.J. Scarpello told them they could not pass out the postcards.
The handout highlights the “I believe” promise, focused on keeping boys out of girls’ sports and their private spaces. It also urges Governor Shapiro to defend “our daughters’ rights to fair play, equal playing opportunities, and safe locker rooms.”
Hatboro-Horsham School District did not respond to a request for comment.
Undeterred after being turned away at the Hatboro-Horsham meet, the group printed t-shirts with “Save Women’s Sports” and a QR code for the Defending Our Daughters website where visitors are encouraged to sign the pledge.
The women attended the Helman/Hosier Invitational race at Pennridge High School on April 30, 2026. Holly Magalengo, a mom of female athletes and the organizer of the group, said the crowds were very receptive.
One of the advocates, Julie Potter, is a Bucks County resident committed to standing up for young women.
“I am using my free will to stand up for these girls because I am these girls,” said Potter in response to a request for comment. “I am a lifelong athlete. With all the challenges young women go through competing against boys should never be one of them. No one truly believes anyone can change their sex. Instead of affirming young men’s delusions, we should be protecting young girls’ safety and dignity.”
Nicole Prussman, an educator and education policy advocate, stressed the importance of upcoming elections.
“At the Pennridge invitational, we were there speaking with parents, sharing information, and helping families better understand how current decisions at the state level are impacting girls’ sports,” said Prussman. “Instead of clear answers, they’re getting delays and dismissal. Title IX only works if it’s enforced with clarity — and right now it isn’t. With elections approaching, voters should look at which legislators have had the chance to act and haven’t. Blocking a vote on protections for girls isn’t neutral — it’s a decision that hurts our girls.”
Prussman is referring to the Save Women’s Sports Act legislation that the Republican-controlled Senate has passed twice with bipartisan support under Senator Judy Ward’s (R – Blair, Fulton, Huntington, Juniata, Mifflin) leadership, only to face political games and maneuvering by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives.
The Shapiro administration continues to remain tone deaf on the issue.
Just this month, the governor’s office announced a statewide public survey and listening tour to hear from the “women” of Pennsylvania, which will culminate in a final report.
“The 2026 State of the Woman Report will build on Pennsylvania’s inaugural Report on the Status of Women in 1966 and the most recent report from 2004, examining the progress women have made in Pennsylvania over the last 60 years and identifying the gaps that still exist among women of all backgrounds,” said the release. “The report will combine historical analysis, current data, and firsthand experiences from women in rural, suburban, and urban communities to provide a comprehensive picture of the current status of women throughout the Commonwealth.”
The survey states that respondents should identify as women. “While we respect and value the opinions and experiences of those who support women, our goal is to gather feedback from Pennsylvania women specifically.”
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women wants to hear from men who identify as women for input into the “State of the Woman Report.”
The survey asks, “how do you currently describe yourself?” and the choices range from female to transgender female, prefer not to say, and a different term.
Based on the survey questions and Shapiro’s prior statement that trans women are women, his stance favors allowing boys to compete in girls’ sports.
Holly Magalengo has been fighting for fair athletic competitions for girls since the 2024-2025 school year when her daughter was forced to compete against a biological male in a cross country race. She has been calling legislators advocating for the Save Women’s Sports Act and asking them to send the bill to the floor for a full House vote; however, her frustration is growing with many Democrats.
“The House Democrats continue playing games by re-referring the bills to different committees,” said Magalengo in a request for comment. “I am talking with people that are both Republican and Democrat, and people on both sides are highly receptive and supportive that girls deserve fair competition, so much so that I have only encountered two people that believed biological males should be allowed in women’s sports.”
Magalengo understands what is at stake at the upcoming election.
“I really want the legislators to see that Democrats, Republicans, feminists on the far left, and moderates all want to see a return to fair athletics and safe single sex spaces for women. My goal is to get the Democratic legislators to hear the voices of all their constituents.”
With elections approaching, this issue is no longer theoretical. Voters are paying attention — and they’re watching who stands up, and who stays silent.
Beth Ann Rosica resides in West Chester, has a Ph.D. in Education, and has dedicated her career to advocating on behalf of at-risk children and families. She covers education issues for Broad + Liberty. Contact her at [email protected].
