NUTTY PROFESSOR: Trans swimmer Lia Thomas compared to Jackie Robinson
Purdue University professor Cheryl Cooky is facing criticism on social media for comparing transgender University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas to baseball legend Jackie Robinson.
Cooky, a professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies, wrote an opinion piece for NBC, stating that Thomas, 22, is a trailblazer like Robinson, who broke baseball’s color line in 1947.
“Thomas, as the first transgender athlete to win a Division I NCAA championship, deserves to be placed among the other firsts. She should be embraced in the history of progress that sports represent and recognized as the trailblazer that she is.”
Cooky's comparison has sparked controversy, with many taking to social media to express their disagreement.
Author's summary: Professor compares trans swimmer to Jackie Robinson.