NCAA Faces Calls to Ban Trans Athletes From Competing in Women's Sports After NAIA's Decision: 'Your Move'
The NCAA was called upon to follow the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) after the collegiate organization for small colleges and universities banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
The NAIA said its decision was rooted in "fair and safe competition for all student-athletes" and that "Title IX ensures there are separate and equal opportunities for female athletes." The organization said only athletes whose biological sex is female may participate in "NAIA-sponsored female sports." The policy goes into effect on Aug. 1.
As the NAIA changed its transgender participation policy, the NCAA was called upon to do the same. The organization is currently facing a lawsuit from former athletes over its policy.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 16: The NCAA logo is seen in the second half of the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 16, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The NCAA’s transgender policies came under fire during the 2021-22 swim season as Lia Thomas became a prominent figure in the sport. Thomas went on to become the first transgender athlete to win a women’s national championship.
The NCAA said it would follow the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and each sport would follow the national governing body for each sport. If there were no national governing body, then each sport would abide by the international policy. The NCAA updated its transgender policy starting on Jan. 19, 2022, and the final implementation begins on Aug. 1.
The NCAA Hears Support For The NAIA Trans Athlete Ban
"Take note @NCAA," OutKick contributor Riley Gaines, who is the host of the "Gaines for Girls" podcast, wrote on X.
"Your move @ncaa," OutKick founder Clay Travis wrote.
Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts wrote: "A win for common sense. Your move, @NCAA."
Former Kentucky swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler added: "What a WIN… THIS is what real leadership looks like!"
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 03: The NCAA logo and a game ball as the South Carolina Gamecocks warm-up before the game against the UConn Huskies during the 2022 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament National Championship game at Target Center on April 03, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Virginia’s Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears added: "Common sense prevails today. It’s more than time for the @ncaa to do the same."
The NCAA, which is investing $14 million in its women's basketball tournaments, released a statement on the matter to Fox News Digital.
"College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America and the NCAA will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships," the NCAA said.
FORT WAYNE, IN - MARCH 19: A NCAA logo is displayed on the goal post before the Division III National Championship basketball game between the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets and the Elmhurst Bluejays on March 19, 2022, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The NAIA Vote Was Unanimous
The NAIA’s Council of Presidents voted in favor of the policy change, 20-0, according to CBS Sports.
"We know there are a lot of different opinions out there," NAIA president Jim Carr told CBS Sports. "For us, we believed our first responsibility was to create fairness and competition in the NAIA ... We also think it aligns with the reasons Title IX was created. You're allowed to have separate but equal opportunities for women to compete."