Nevada college oversight leader faces revolt after saying state’s universities have men ‘masquerading as women’ on sports teams and hurting girls

A regent in Nevada’s higher education system is being forced to resign after a controversial comment he made about transgender athletes during a March 1 board meeting.

Patrick Boylan, who was elected to the state Board of Regents in 2020, asked at the meeting, “How many or do we have men pretending to be women playing on one of our teams and hurting one of the women?” Do we have that problem here in NSHE?’

The question, which touched on a topic that has stirred heated controversy across the country for several years, caused an uproar among some members of the Nevada Higher Ed community.

Right-wing politicians and others who have seen the impact of transgender women competing against biological women in college sporting events have emphasized the dangers they say biologically female athletes pose when trans women compete.

There is now an active group trying to oust Boylan, who refuses to resign.

In response to a student’s public comment at the March meeting challenging Boylan’s position, he responded, “There is such a thing as the First Amendment. And it’s freedom of speech.’

Since the meeting, two rallies have been held on the College of Southern Nevada campuses by students, staff and others upset by Boylan’s comments.

Dr. Joe Hassert, president of the university system’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, shared News 3 Las Vegas that Boylan “appears to promote the view that transgender people are harmful to other students and other members of the community.”

A trans student, Alex Perdue, who identifies as male, said Boylan’s position could impact how transgender students and other LGBTQ+ individuals are treated.

“When you have that many people in power, and they create this hateful experience for other people, especially minorities, they’re going to use that power to create hatred for them and a lot of oppression,” Perdue said.

But Boylan says he won’t resign.

He said his question was taken out of context during the board meeting, but also asked how it could have been harmful.

‘I just asked the question. And if they believe that’s the reason they got hurt. I don’t want to hurt any student’s feelings. But why were they harmful?’

“This left-wing idiotic madness that they just jumped on the situation instead of seeing that it was my security problems,” he said. “And it has nothing to do with sex, race, anything. I don’t care what you are, what you think you are.’

However, Perdue remains upset about the situation and wants the other state regents to take action.

“I do believe that the other regents should be able to make their voices heard,” said the student.

‘If they are supportive, of course especially. Or when they are in opposition. If they are in opposition, they should be told the truth about transgender people without hurting other people. It’s just to exist.’

Students and employees have planned another demonstration on April 19, when the next meeting of the Board of Regents is scheduled.

Those opposed to Boylan’s position and his continued presence on the board say they will gather before the meeting and use their voices during the public comment period.