Government leaders back pro-women lawsuit against NCAA over trans policy

Numerous political figures have thrown their support behind a groundbreaking lawsuit challenging the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) policy permitting biological men to compete in women’s sports.

Led by former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines and funded by the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), the lawsuit, filed on Thursday, represents 16 former and current female collegiate athletes, including Reka Gyorgy, Kylee Alons and Kaitlyn Wheeler.

In the lawsuit, the athletes argue that the NCAA’s policies knowingly violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 

The lawsuit demands not only a reversal of the Transgender Student-Athlete Participation Policy but also the nullification of any titles or records won by transgender athletes in women’s competitions, according to KOMU. 

In response to the lawsuit, the NCAA stated: “the Association and its members will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports and ensure fair competition in all NCAA championships.” 

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr urged the NCAA to repeal the controversial rule. 

“Today I call on the NCAA to do the right thing & repeal the rule that allows biological males to participate in women’s sports,” Carr wrote on X. “Our office is exploring all legal options available to end this absurdity, & we will continue fighting for women’s rights to fair competition.” 

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp echoed the same sentiment in a social media post on Saturday.  

“As the father of three daughters, I join in calling on the NCAA to protect the integrity of collegiate sports,” Kemp wrote on X. “Men should not be participating in women’s sports. Period.” 

After speaking with NCAA President Charlie Baker, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, revealed the NCAA has never studied the harms its policy may cause. 

 “I asked the NCAA if they had studied any possible harms before allowing biological males to compete against women,” Lee wrote on X. “Unsurprisingly, they never have.”  

ICONS is calling on those who care about “fair play and women’s rights” to join the effort to protect women’s sports.  

“We’re not just fighting for ourselves, we’re fighting for every young girl who dreams of competing in sports,” Gaines said in a press release. “I’m thankful for ICONS’ commitment to our cause, especially their financial commitment allowing us to take this to court. 

“I urge anyone who cares about protecting women’s sports to help get behind us.”