Riley Gaines to speak in Seneca, Sandusky OH Republicans Lincoln Day

Activist and former All-American swimmer Riley Gaines will be the guest speaker May 8 at the Lincoln Day Dinner hosted by the Seneca County Republican Party and the Sandusky County Republican Party.

Gaines in March was one of 16 college athletes who filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Atlanta accusing the NCAA of violating their Title IX rights by allowing a transgender woman to compete in the 2022 Division I championships.

Columnist Ingrid Jacques:These women say transgender laws discriminate against them. So they are suing the NCAA.

Gaines describes herself on her website as “a leader who advocates for women’s same-sex positions, advocates for equality and justice, and advocates for women’s safety, privacy and equal opportunity.”

Gaines’ appearance will come three days after he was scheduled to deliver the commencement address at Adrian College in Michigan. The Detroit Free Press reported his inclusion drew mixed reactions on campus.

Gaines, who swam at the University of Kentucky, “rose to prominence in 2022 after winning the 200-meter dash at the NCAA championships against University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas,” the Free Press reported. “Thomas was the first transgender woman to win an NCAA Division I championship title the day before.

“Following her loss, Gaines continued to campaign against the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. … She also petitioned for the title to be transferred to her from Thomas, ultimately unsuccessfully.”

Tickets are on sale for the annual dinner

The Lincoln Day Dinner will be held at Frankart’s warehouse at 7731 Township Road 32, Clyde. The event will begin at 6 p.m. A meet and greet with Gaines will begin at 4 p.m