The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) on Monday approved a measure to prevent men who identify as women from participating in women’s sports.
The NAIA President’s Council passed this historic legislation by a vote of 20-0 with no opposition. The new ban on transgender athletes replaces an old ban that only covered postseason competition, CBS Sports reported.
NAIA President Jim Kerr: “We understand that there are many different opinions out there” Said CBS Sports. “For us, we believed that our first responsibility was to create equity and competition in NAIA. …We also believe this is consistent with why Title IX was created. They are allowed separate but equal opportunities to do so.”
As of Monday, all athletes competing under the auspices of the NAIA must compete in the gender category assigned at birth.
Carr hastened to add that trans athletes can also participate in the sport.
“It’s important to know that men’s sports are open to everyone,” Kerr explained.
yes! ! @NCAA – Your movements.
(@Nia Targeted only at small private schools. This is a great start, but we still have a long way to go. ) https://t.co/gQcLS0Teuz— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) April 8, 2024
The rule also leaves open the possibility for trans athletes to participate in exhibition games and events that are not sanctioned by the NAIA.
This policy is in stark contrast to the NCAA’s policy, which allows each sport’s governing body to determine its own rules governing the eligibility of trans athletes.
“College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in the United States, and the NCAA continues to advance Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports, and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in every NCAA championship. “We will continue to secure them,” the NCAA said in a statement. statement.
A group of former female athletes, including Riley Gaines, are currently suing the NCAA for violating their Title IX rights by allowing them to compete and share locker rooms with trans athletes.
“The task force spent nearly two years reviewing research and meeting with experts to better understand potential policy issues,” said Amy Novak, chair of the President’s Council and president of St. Ambrose University. We received feedback from multiple membership groups.” “Through this policy, NAIA has made every effort to allow transgender athletes to participate in a manner that does not impact the fairness of competition in women’s sports. Our priority is to to protect the integrity of our people and give them equal opportunity to succeed.”
The process leading up to the vote included a public opinion poll, with 58 of the 67 presidents and chancellors responding, expressing support for the rule change.
