Oberlin College women’s lacrosse coach Kim Russell was reassigned to a different position at school after she expressed her opnion on Trans athletes’ participation in women’s sports. Here’s the full story.
Her Career
Russell’s tenure as head coach at Oberlin College spanned five years, during which she nurtured her team’s growth and development.
Her Opinion
However, it was her vocal opinions on Trans athlete Lia Thomas’ NCAA championship win in 2022 that set off a firestorm of controversy.
She Received Mixed Responses
Russell’s views, shared on social media, garnered both support and opposition. The clash between Russell and Oberlin College administrators, notably Natalie Winkelfoos and Creg Jantz, exemplified the deep-seated divide on this issue.
The Recorded Conversation
In a recorded conversation, Winkelfoos accused Russell of harboring hateful sentiments, and said, “Unfortunately, you fall into the category of people that are kind of filled with hate in the world.”
It’s a Problem
Creg Jantz told Russell “It’s acceptable to have your own opinions, but when they go against Oberlin College’s beliefs, it’s a problem.”
The Interview
Speaking to “America’s Newsroom”, Russell said that she never violated any school policies.
Breaking School Policy
“When I took that to the college with a letter from my attorney, I said, ‘If I am breaking university policy, please tell me what that policy is. Please do so in writing, and if you’re going to fire me for breaking that policy, please do it now,’” she added.
She Was Reassigned
As a result, Kim Russell was not terminated from her position at Oberlin College. Instead, she has been offered a new role as an employee wellness program manager, a position that would not involve direct student interaction but would primarily entail administrative responsibilities.
A Major Shift
This transition represented a significant shift for Russell, who has spent nearly three decades on the frontlines of coaching and education.
Freedom of Expression
Oberlin College, in response to the situation, said that they value freedom of expression within their academic community. They underscored that the ability to voice one’s opinions is a fundamental aspect of democracy and welcomed diverse perspectives.
They Cautioned the Staff
However, they also cautioned staff members to consider the potential consequences of their social media posts on their professional roles and responsibilities.
Does the School Know the Difference Between Male and Female?
Several social media users expressed their thoughts on the incident. One Twitter user wrote, “Anyone with a daughter, especially one playing sports should really look at whether the school knows the difference between male and female, enroll your children accordingly.”
Unpopular Opinions
Another user added, “I remember a time when people were allowed to have unpopular opinions. But that was when we paid attention to primitive documents like the Constitution and people grew up to be adults. And not try to win elections by jailing your opponent.”
Biological Females Should Refuse to Play
A third user commented, “All of the biological females should refuse to play with biological males on the team.”
“Final Last Words” – Palliative Care Nurse Reveals the Most Common Words Spoken Before Death, Can You Predict the Chilling Pattern?
Julie, a dedicated hospice nurse from Los Angeles, California, with 1.3 million followers, sheds light on the moments before death and dispels hospice myths. “Final Last Words” – Palliative Care Nurse Reveals the Most Common Words Spoken Before Death, Can You Predict the Chilling Pattern?
Female Army Vet Accused of Faking Her Credentials, BUT When They Checked Her Background – They Were in for a Surprise!
This tale of not judging a book by its cover comes from Reddit. A military veteran questioned the legitimacy of another vet’s claim to be part of the school’s veterans organization. Female Army Vet Accused of Faking Her Credentials, BUT When They Checked Her Background – They Were in for a Surprise!
Trans Swimmer Falls Short in Men’s Team, Wins Gold in Women’s Division – Now Faces Possible Lifetime Ban Amid Controversy
A transgender swimmer has been surrounded by controversy after winning the NCAA and not facing a ban. Trans Swimmer Falls Short in Men’s Team, Wins Gold in Women’s Division – Now Faces Possible Lifetime Ban Amid Controversy
“Honey, I’m Home!” – Husband Cuts Work Hours to Teach His Wife a Lesson, Now She’s up in Arms for Missing Out on Luxuries
A man recently asked Redditors for their opinions after he cut back at work to satisfy his wife’s demands that he do more chores at home. Here is his full story. “Honey, I’m Home!” – Husband Cuts Work Hours to Teach His Wife a Lesson, Now She’s up in Arms for Missing Out on Luxuries
“Unsafe Haven for Black Students” – White Professor’s Explosive Racial Confrontation With Black Student Ignites Controversy and Heated Discourse
The footage, which quickly went viral, shows the professor vehemently shouting at the student, demanding to know their name, and ultimately instructing them to leave the classroom. The incident has ignited a broader discussion about racial dynamics and appropriate conduct within educational environments, particularly within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “Unsafe Haven for Black Students” – White Professor’s Explosive Racial Confrontation With Black Student Ignites Controversy and Heated Discourse
The post “Harboring Hateful Sentiments” – College Coach Faces Reassignment Amid Controversy Over Her Stance on Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / stockimagesbank. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.