Full Breakdown
Nebraska’s “Fairness for Girls” Initiative Faces Public Hearing
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Public Hearing on Initiative 442
A public hearing was held in the Nebraska State Capitol to discuss Initiative 442, known as “Fairness for Girls.” The measure would amend the state constitution to require every public school, college, university and private school that competes against public schools to designate each sport or team as male, female, or co-ed, effectively barring transgender women from female athletic teams. Supporters argue the amendment protects “roster spots, medals and scholarships” for girls, while opponents warn it could duplicate an existing state law and impose invasive gender-verification requirements.
Official Statements & Responses
State Sen. Julie Slama, a sponsor of the initiative, framed the proposal as a matter of “fairness, safety and opportunity” for female athletes. Nate Grasz of the Nebraska Family Alliance echoed this, emphasizing that the amendment preserves distinct boys, girls and co-ed teams. Opponents cited the 2025 Nebraska law already banning transgender athletes, noting that the new amendment would be redundant and costly. Harry Heafer, a critic, pointed out that “we do have a state law already on the books that addresses this exact thing.” Rachel Tomlinson-Dick, representing the Fairness for All coalition, highlighted a $3.1 million donation from a political-action committee that funded the initiative and argued that the measure has no place in the constitution. Critics have also filed a lawsuit claiming the initiative’s object statement violates state law, which could prevent the amendment from taking effect even if voters approve it.
Data & Statistics
A recent survey cited by Bethany Brunson found that 86 % of transgender youth say anti-trans laws and policy debates make them feel less safe, and 83 % report negative impacts on their mental health. More than 211,000 Nebraskans have signed the petition to place the initiative on the ballot, the highest signature count in state history.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is about fairness, safety and opportunity. The roster spot, the metal, the scholarship that a girl earns,” — State Sen. Julie Slama
- “We do have a state law already on the books that addresses this exact thing,” — Harry Heafer
- “A recent survey found that 86% of trans youth report that anti-trans laws and policy debates like this one have made them feel less safe, and 83% say that they have impacted their mental health,” — Bethany Brunson
- “Fifty years ago, women fought for girls to get on the field. Our job is to fight to make sure they stay there,” — State Sen. Julie Slama
- “This is about fairness, safety and opportunity,” — Julie Slama
- “I oppose initiative 442 for several reasons,” — Rachel Tomlinson-Dick
What’s Next
The initiative will appear on the November general election ballot. A subsequent public hearing is scheduled to address other ballot measures concerning online sports wagering.