State Rep. Jim DeSana, R-Carleton, today issued the following statement after skipping a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Welch Center for Health and Public Safety at Monroe County Community College on Wednesday morning:

“I declined an invitation to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony because I cannot condone the MCCC bathroom policy, and I don’t want to legitimize it.

“I agree with J.K. Rowling, Megyn Kelly, Abigail Shrier, and Riley Gaines that men should not compete in women’s sports, and that males should not use female locker rooms or bathrooms. Monroe County Community College, however, has decided to allow men to use whichever restroom conforms to their chosen gender identity rather than their sex. MCCC’s policy ignores biological reality and the reasons why we keep those things separate. This is about protecting women and making sure they feel safe.

“There are many good people who attend or work at Monroe County Community College, so I don’t like having to pull my support, but I’m doing this to send a message to the administration. I’m protesting on behalf of students who are not able to stand up for themselves because they are in the middle of their degree program, and for employees who fear losing their job if they speak out.”