The National Collegiate Athletic Association has yet to publicly address a letter sent by nine Republican governors asking the group to rewrite its Transgender Student Athlete Policy to \u201cprotect, preserve, and encourage fairness in women\u2019s athletics.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although the association\u2019s Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports discussed the transgender athlete topic at its Dec. 11 meeting, and took some sort of “action,” according<\/a> to a copy of the agenda, there have been no public announcements about any specifics.<\/p>\n NCAA\u2019s media relations department has not responded to repeated requests for comment from The College Fix<\/em> over the last month. The agency also has not posted any announcements on its media center website, nor published the safeguard committee\u2019s meeting minutes on its website<\/a>.<\/p>\n On Oct. 30, nine Republican governors sent a letter<\/a> to the Committee on Competitive Safeguards asking its members to review and rewrite the policy that allows biological men to participate in women\u2019s sports.<\/p>\n \u201cThe NCAA has the chance to guarantee an environment where female college athletes can thrive without the concern of inequities. We trust that you also want to guarantee just such an environment. But this policy allows the NCAA to avoid responsibility for ensuring the fairness of collegiate sports \u2013 therefore it must be changed,\u201d the letter states.<\/p>\n \u201cAs former competitors, you understand the years of blood, sweat, and tears that it takes to succeed at a high level. Competing in sports has so many benefits. We learn grace in victory, poise in defeat, and the importance of teamwork in every aspect of life. For young women, Title IX guaranteed them an equal chance to compete,\u201d it adds.<\/p>\n The letter references Riley Gaines, a former Division I collegiate swimmer turned activist for women\u2019s rights in sports, who as an undergrad tied with a transgender athlete in a race.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen Lia Thomas, a biological male, was allowed to compete in women\u2019s swimming, Riley tied with Lia against all odds. Traditionally, when two swimmers tie, they both stand on top of the podium \u2013 but Riley was told that the trophy was going to be given to Lia,\u201d the letter states.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen Riley asked why she couldn\u2019t stand for photos with the first-place trophy that she rightfully earned, she was given a series of non-answers that boiled down to \u2018we just have to give it to Lia.\u2019 \u2026Riley\u2019s lifetime of achievement was ripped away from her by someone who shouldn\u2019t have even been in the race \u2013 all for a photo op.\u201d<\/p>\n In a post on X, Gaines praised<\/a> the governors\u2019 effort, telling them to \u201ckeep the pressure on.\u201d<\/p>\n Nine governors signed a joint letter to the NCAA encouraging them to change their policies to protect, preserve, and prioritize fairness and safety over inclusion in women's sports. <\/p>\n Amazing. Keep the pressure on President Baker and the NCAA! <\/p>\n Govs who signed:@KristiNoem<\/a> ,\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/zWqNUUd8yG<\/a><\/p>\n — Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) October 31, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n