The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States changed its policy for transgender athletes on Thursday, February 6, stipulating that only athletes who were identified as female at birth can compete in women’s sports events.
The day before this change was made by the non-profit organization NCAA, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. The executive order allows federal agencies to refuse funding to entities that do not comply with Title IX of the U.S. Code, aligning with the Trump administration’s view that “gender” refers to a person’s gender identified at birth.
The policy change by the NCAA went into effect immediately and applies to all athletes, regardless of whether they have previously undergone eligibility reviews. With around 1,100 member schools and over 500,000 athletes, the NCAA is undoubtedly the largest university sports governing body in the United States.
NCAA President Charlie Baker stated, “We believe that the most suitable approach for today’s student athletes is clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards, rather than a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions. Therefore, President Trump’s order provides a clear national standard.”
Just hours before the NCAA announced this policy change, the Trump administration revealed that it was investigating two universities and a high school sports league that allowed transgender athletes to compete in women’s team matches, potentially violating civil rights. The Department of Education stated that it had commenced reviews of San Jose State University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.
(This article was adapted from an Associated Press report)