The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) says it will not host championships in places that discriminate against transgender athletes. Recently, many states are attempting to pass bills that will make it hard for minors to get gender-affirming treatments and surgeries. Some will also deny them from playing on their gender’s sports teams.
What We Know:
- In a statement released on Monday, the NCAA Board of Governors wrote it “firmly and unequivocally supports the opportunity for transgender student-athletes to compete in college sports.” The document says inclusion and fairness can co-exist for all student-athletes at all sports levels. The Board of Governors also mentions a “clear expectation” that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
- At the beginning of the statement, the NCAA mentions they have a “long-standing” policy that paves a more inclusive path for transgender participation. This includes requiring testosterone suppression treatment for transgender women to compete. The association welcomes involving science on the matter. The Board of Governors also communicates that their orders are similar to that of the International Olympic Committee and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
- The board will monitor situations regarding transgender athlete participation without mentioning any states. However, the environment could possibly affect where the NCAA organizes its tournament games. A decision has not been made yet.
“When determining where championships are held, NCAA policy directs that only locations where hosts can commit to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination should be selected,” the statement announced.
- Advocates praised the NCAA for defending their players. For example, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) celebrated the Athletic Organization. It stated legislators should pay attention in a tweet.
“State lawmakers take note: discriminating against trans youth is wrong, against the law, and costly,” the union asserted in the post.
- Alongside the ACLU, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, deputy executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, made a statement. Heng-Lehtinen emphasized that proposals across the country are putting trans youth at risk. Nonetheless, the NCAA clarified that their Board of Governors supports transgender athletes. Heng-Lehtinen believes that the same committee should hold the states passing these laws accountable.
- This is not the first time the organization has fought for equal rights. In 2016, the NCAA pulled seven championship games from North Carolina. This was because then-Gov. Pat McCrory signed HB 2, aka “the bathroom bill,” into effect. This required transgender people to use restrooms corresponding with the gender on their birth certificates. It was partially repealed in 2017, but N.C. Democrats are asking for a full repeal. This is part of their legislative package released two weeks ago.
- NBC News reports close to 30 states have wanted to ban transgender students from playing on a team of their preferred sex. Currently, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Idaho have passed these bans. A federal judge blocked Idaho’s law from going into effect in August. Furthermore, Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) signed two executive orders that limit trans women’s participation in sports. The mandates restrict them from playing in K-12 and college athletics.
The NCAA’s statement brings hope that the United States will halt possible bans on transgender people. If these states want to continue hosting competitions, they may need to listen to their vulnerable citizens.
