Indiana Governor Mike Braun recently signed an executive order aimed at safeguarding women's college sports within the state. The order mandates that Indiana's educational institutions adhere to the 2020 Title IX Rule, rather than the Biden administration's 2024 reinterpretation, which broadened protections based on self-identified gender identity. This action ensures female college athletes won't be compelled to compete against biological males, preserving the integrity of women's athletics and protecting opportunities for women in female-only sports leagues.
During the signing, Governor Braun emphasized the importance of fairness in women's sports, stating, "Women’s sports provide young women with valuable opportunities to earn scholarships and develop leadership skills. Hoosiers overwhelmingly oppose the idea of these opportunities being jeopardized by allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports, and this executive order will prevent that from happening."
The signing ceremony included Elle Patterson, a former San Jose State University volleyball player who claims she lost a scholarship opportunity to a transgender athlete. Governor Braun acknowledged Patterson's situation, expressing that "It’s simply unjust, and leaders must advocate for young women like Elle. We must protect their physical safety and the significant opportunities that accompany athletic excellence."
In addition to the executive order on women's sports, Governor Braun signed a second order reinforcing Indiana's legal definitions of sex, gender, and related terms, based on biological sex. He explained that this order "will eliminate any confusion regarding our state's stance on this matter, allowing us to concentrate on ensuring freedom and opportunity for all Hoosiers."
Patterson's lawsuit against SJSU and the Mountain West Conference, filed in November alongside other conference players and a former assistant coach, alleges that the university reneged on verbal scholarship offers to her while providing a full scholarship to a transgender athlete. She claims she paid full tuition in 2023 with the understanding she'd receive a scholarship in 2024, but the program did not honor this commitment.
San Jose State Spartans players look on prior to a match against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym Oct. 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Sen. Mike Braun speaks during a Republican Indiana gubernatorial candidate forum in Carmel, Ind., Jan. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
This action by Governor Braun follows the U.S. Senate's failure to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which was filibustered by Democrats. It also aligns with similar measures taken by other governors, such as Idaho's Brad Little, who signed a similar executive order in August. Former President Donald Trump also signed an executive order on this issue in February 2024, though compliance has varied among states.
