211,000 Signatures Turned in by Fairness for Girls

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Fairness for Girls, a petition currently aiming to change the Nebraska Constitution in regards to girls’ sports, turned in 211,000 signatures on Tuesday, June 30.

These signature have been accumulated after 113 days since the petition launched and is breaking records.

“Nebraskans sent a clear message by delivering the most signatures for any ballot initiative in state history. Girls deserve equal opportunities in their sports,” said sponsor Julie Slama. “Men competing in girls’ sports steal their opportunities to earn scholarships, medals, and advancement in tournaments.”

Fairness for Girls organizers got signatures from all 93 counties and needed at least 10% of Nebraska’s registered voters, which they surpassed.

According to their website, the proposed constitutional amendments that Fairness for Girls advocates for is that schools must ‘expressly designate each athletic team or sport as males, females, coed or mixed’, athletic teams will not be open to students of male sex and more amends.

Sponsors said it is a necessity to have this passed.

“As a father of two daughters, young girls’ safety cannot be jeopardized by men competing in their sports,” said sponsor Rob Schafer. “Men competing in girls’ volleyball, basketball, and wrestling pose a significant safety risk due to physical differences. We must protect young girls and women.” 

Sponsors also said that fairness for young girls is protected under the new ballot language.

“Sports must be fair for young girls,” said sponsor Elizabeth Nunnally. “Girls sports are designed to provide a level playing field for biological females. I’m proud of the work we’ve achieved to ensure young girls have every opportunity to succeed.” 

The proposed ballot language, amendments and changes will be on the next general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3 if everything is correct after review.