Santa Fe venue blatantly breaches contract to cancel celebration of women’s sports, claiming the event celebrating Title IX is “partisan” despite having no political agenda.
Key Takeaways
- The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute suddenly canceled the Independent Women’s Forum’s “Her Game. Her Legacy.” Title IX celebration, falsely labeling it a “partisan political event.”
- Organizers found out about the cancellation through a Facebook post, despite having a binding 9-page contract with the venue.
- The Independent Women’s Forum quickly secured a new venue at the Inn and Spa at Loretto to ensure the non-partisan celebration of girls’ sports could proceed.
- Organizers plan to sue the original venue for breach of contract and violation of First Amendment rights.
- The event will continue as planned with high-profile speakers including Education Secretary Linda McMahon and celebrates the 53rd anniversary of Title IX.
Venue Cancels Women’s Sports Event After Falsely Labeling It “Partisan”
The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute abruptly canceled a celebration of women’s sports and Title IX planned by the Independent Women’s Forum, claiming it was a “partisan political event” despite organizers insisting it had no political agenda. In a shocking display of contract violation, organizers only learned about the cancellation after the venue posted about it on Facebook. The event, titled “Her Game. Her Legacy,” was designed as a family-friendly celebration of female athletics featuring a pink carpet and activities for children, marking the 53rd anniversary of Title IX legislation.
“As much as we support free speech, we want to make it clear that SFFMI is in disagreement with the message and intent of this particular event,” said Santa Fe Farmers‘ Market Institute.
The timing of the cancellation raised eyebrows, as it followed a news report highlighting New Mexico’s stance on transgender rights. The venue claimed the event description was misleading and expressed concerns over security and press conference requirements. However, organizers maintain that these concerns were never previously communicated to them, suggesting the real issue was ideological disagreement rather than logistical problems. The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute, which ironically lists “equity” and “kindness” among its mission values, appears to have selectively applied those principles.
Organizers Refuse to Be Silenced
Representatives from the Independent Women’s Forum have been vocal about their intention to pursue legal action against the venue for what they see as a clear breach of contract and infringement on their First Amendment rights. Beth Parlato, one of the organizers, emphasized the non-partisan nature of the event and the legally binding nature of their agreement with the venue. The group had already invested significant resources, including staff, entertainment, and marketing for the celebration.
“This is not a rally. This is not any type of political event. It’s a non-partisan, non-political celebration,” said Beth Parlato.
“They’re not just canceling our event. They are canceling little girls. They are betraying girls and women, female athletes. They’re canceling all of that,” said Victory Coley.
New Venue Steps Up, Event Proceeds As Planned
Despite the attempted cancellation, the celebration will go on as planned thanks to the Inn and Spa at Loretto, which quickly stepped in to provide a new venue. The general manager of the hotel recognized the importance of the event and ensured it would have a home. The relocated celebration will feature the same program of speakers, including Education Secretary Linda McMahon and various female athletes, along with the planned pink carpet and activities for families and children.
“We had a contract. It is a nine-page contract, a legal and binding contract, and it’s pretty solid. They don’t agree with their message, so they have canceled us. And it’s illegal. So in our opinion, our legal opinion, they have breached the contract. They have discriminated against Independent Women. And they have violated our First Amendment rights by acknowledging that they don’t agree with their message, so they’re not allowing us on their property. So we will file lawsuits,” said Beth Parlato.
This event marks the beginning of a bus tour across New Mexico celebrating women’s achievements in sports. The organizers remain committed to their mission of supporting and celebrating female athletes despite the obstacles placed in their path. Their determination to proceed in the face of attempted cancellation demonstrates the resilience that Title IX was designed to foster in female athletes across the country. The venue’s actions have only served to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those who wish to celebrate traditional women’s sports.
