Former President Donald Trump's executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports has prompted the NCAA to review its existing policies. The NCAA Board of Governors is currently deliberating potential policy adjustments in response to the executive order, according to Felicia Martin, NCAA Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Education, and Community. She anticipates further clarification on a national standard from the executive order and emphasized that any NCAA policy changes will depend on the order's specific details.
In addition to the executive order, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, currently under consideration in Congress, could provide a further federal standard. This bill aims to deny federal funding to institutions permitting transgender athletes in women's sports and has already passed the House of Representatives.
The NCAA's current policy, established in 2010, allows transgender women to compete after a year of testosterone suppression treatment. This policy has faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit led by former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines concerning her experience competing with and sharing facilities with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Another lawsuit involves three of Thomas's former UPenn teammates who allege they were pressured to accept pro-transgender views.
NCAA President Charlie Baker has acknowledged concerns about shared facilities and stated that alternative arrangements should be available for those who are uncomfortable. He also highlighted that the NCAA's transgender athlete policy is rooted in federal guidelines and downplayed the issue's scope, noting the small number of transgender athletes within the NCAA. However, the topic remains a subject of national debate, particularly at the youth and high school levels.
A recent New York Times/Ipsos poll revealed significant opposition to transgender women competing in women's sports, including among Democrats. This issue is even considered a factor in the 2024 election, with exit polls indicating its importance to moderate voters.
