In front of a filled-to-capacity Pope Paul VI Event Center in Christ the Teacher Hall, conservative political activist and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines came to Franciscan University on March 3 to speak about fairness in women’s sports as well as the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs in a divided climate. The event, hosted by Franciscan’s chapter of the conservative advocacy organization, Turning Point USA, drew an audience of almost 500, with some audience members coming from off campus.

Gaines began her address by saying: “Most of the time, when I go on campuses across the country, they want to throw me off a bridge, so to be here with you, where I’m well-received, is deeply appreciated from the bottom of my heart.”

Gaines, a national correspondent for Turning Point USA, began her activism following her participation in the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship, where she competed against transgender swimmer William (who went by “Lia”) Thomas, tying with Thomas for fifth place. Despite the tie, the judges gave the award to the transgender Thomas. 

“We go behind the awards podium where the NCAA official looks at (Thomas) and me, him towering over me,” Gaines recalled. “And the judge says, ‘Great job, you two, but you tied and we don’t account for ties. We’re gonna give the trophy to her.’ And in that moment, I asked the dreaded question no one dared ask all season. I said ‘Why?’ He said, ‘I’m so sorry Riley, but we have been advised as an organization that when photos are being taken, it’s crucial that the trophy is in Thomas’s hands.’ And that was the moment when I realized that I was unwilling to wait for someone else to speak up about this.”

This incident, which drew national news, prompted Gaines to begin her activism. Since 2022, she has traveled to campuses across the country speaking out about the effects of transgender participation in women’s sports and has testified before Congress on this issue. Gaines has been a catalyst for a nationwide debate regarding the participation of transgender people in gender-separated sports.

“It’s not compassionate. It’s not inclusive,” said Gaines in her speech. “Asking young girls to undress in front of men isn’t compassionate. It’s up to us, as Americans and Christians, to combat that. We do that by knowing the truth, by speaking the truth, and by living the truth. That’s what Christ did so well.”

Following her talk, Gaines took time to answer questions from attendees. Gaines answered questions regarding marriage and family life, her impact as a nationally known activist, the American political culture, and the reinforcement of traditional gender roles in society. Gaines concluded with a message for students, urging them to fight through criticism they might receive for standing up for their beliefs. 

“I’d be lying if I said it’s super easy for me to be in this position,” Gaines concluded. “I’ve been called a racist, a misogynist, a transphobe, everything. But I realize that nothing of this world compares to the promise of eternal life. Stand tall and be unapologetic in your pursuit of truth.” 

Gaines’ talk was praised by those present. University President Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, described the event as “reflecting Franciscan University’s commitment to engaging cultural issues through the lens of faith and reason.” Similar praise came from the students in attendance. 

“It was an excellent talk,” said senior Paul Bremberg. “Her talk was so relevant given the continued debate around transgenderism in the United States. I loved her focus on how to stay grounded in truth while still being able to do a lot of good.”