“As a parent, it’s painful to see a child pushed out by adult backlash. When a student feels unsafe enough to step away, that’s not fairness — that’s bullying. Schools should protect kids, especially such a marginalized group, not amplify harm.”
That’s how Nicole Weinbrom, a parent in the Bellmore-Merrick School District, reacted this week after learning her district is one of 18 nationwide now under review by the U.S. Department of Education over policies related to gender identity and school athletics.
The federal review raises questions about compliance with Title IX, the civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education.
According to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, the investigation stems from complaints alleging that Bellmore-Merrick and other districts may have violated Title IX by allowing students to participate in athletics based on gender identity rather than sex assigned at birth. Federal officials said they are looking into allegations that the district permitted a “male student” to try out for a girls sports team.
While the district has not publicly identified the specific team involved, Newsday reported that the investigation centers on a girls volleyball team in Bellmore-Merrick.
In a statement, the district said it follows state guidance and has acted lawfully.
“The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has always focused on supporting all students, respecting due process, and fulfilling its legal obligations,” the statement read. “At all times the District acted in full compliance with all laws and regulations. Bellmore-Merrick has followed the guidance and legal framework governing New York State public schools issued by the NYS Education Department.”
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said the department will conduct a thorough review.
“We will leave no stone unturned in these investigations to uphold women’s right to equal access in education programs — a fight that started over half a century ago and is far from finished,” Richey said.
Weinbrom told Greater Long Island that the issue had been expected to be discussed at an upcoming Board of Education meeting. However, she said that after what she described as backlash from parts of the community, the student at the center of the situation ultimately decided not to try out for the team.
Dr. David Kilmnick, president and founder of the New York LGBT Network, also weighed in, expressing concern about the impact such investigations can have on transgender students.
“What is most troubling is the impact investigations like this have on transgender students themselves,” Kilmnick said. “Actions like these make young people feel singled out, unsafe, and unsure whether they truly belong in their own schools. When adults politicize students’ identities, transgender youth receive a message that they are a problem — and they are not.”
He added that the broader issue extends beyond athletics.
“This is not about sports. It is about dignity, safety, and whether transgender students are treated as full members of their school communities. Schools should be places of stability and belonging, not fear and uncertainty driven by political interference.”
Section VIII, the governing body for high school athletics in Nassau County, told Greater Long Island it had no comment on the investigation.
