After Being ‘Burned at the Stake’ for Her Transgender Comments, Lacrosse Coach Assumes a New Role

The Kim Russell saga at Oberlin College has continued for a long time. Last time around, Russell claimed that she was being burned at the stake for denouncing transgender sports in an exclusive Independent Women’s Forum documentary. However, since her controversial take, Oberlin is now taking action to deal with the media storm that was caused by the statements. The college has reassigned Russell, a women’s lacrosse coach, to another, more appropriate role.

Russell has been asked to take over as employee wellness manager at Oberlin. The role would see her have no contact or interaction with the students. According to Russell herself, the role would have a very narrow scope, mostly occupied with paperwork.

Russell’s Comments on Transgenders

The saga began when Russell received flak for congratulating Emma Weyant for being the real winner of the 500-yard freestyle, which she had lost to Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships. However, things escalated when Russell referred to Thomas, who is transgender, as a male student. Russell’s criticism was documented in a feature released by The Independent Women’s Forum.

Read More: Ohio College Lacrosse Coach Discusses Repercussions of “Being Burned at the Stake” After Her Stance on Transgender Athletes

Russell sat through several disciplinary meetings, which she secretly recorded. She faced criticism for her statements, even being told that she was “filled with hate.” Russel commented upon the opposition against her, saying “I felt like I was stoned and hanged all at the same time.” She was also informed that the clash between her beliefs and those of Oberlin’s could result in “a problem for (her) employment.”

Oberlin authorities told Russell she was being “transgressive,” “transphobic,” and “unsafe,” but Russell refused to apologize. In the documentary, the 56-year-old now-ex-coach said she felt like she was “walking on eggshells” at work. “I don’t believe biological males should be in women’s locker rooms,” she also added. “Where is the ‘Me Too’ movement now? What happened to that?”

Oberlin College vs. Kim Russell

In the documentary, Russell explored the idea of being fired from Oberlin. She would be “ready for the storm.” About her latest assignment in the Oberlin system, Russell was less than pleased. “I have been taken out of the role of coach, which is what I’ve done for 27 years,” she claimed. She highlighted her feelings about the move, saying she had always been a coach across an array of sports.

Oberlin and Russell will both likely have much more to say about this situation over the next few weeks. However, as 0f now, the college has made its stance quite clear. After the switch in Russell’s role, the former coach will have less scope to comment on such matters.

Watch This Story: Former Olympic Cyclist Sparks Debate with Controversial Remarks Against Transgender Athletes