The NCAA is taking a different stance on the issue of transgender women participating in women’s sports competitions compared to the NAIA. While the NAIA has decided to exclude transgender women from women’s sports, the NCAA currently permits transgender athletes to compete as long as they follow guidelines established by their respective international sport governing bodies.
This policy has faced criticism from LGBTQ advocacy groups who fear it may influence other governing bodies like the NCAA to adopt similar bans. However, conservative-leaning groups have supported the policy change and are encouraging other associations to follow suit.
The NCAA has generally stood for inclusion but has faced pressure to move championship events from states that bar transgender athletes from participating in publicly funded school sports. Roughly 40 transgender athletes are believed to compete in NCAA sports, and the organization recently updated its transgender eligibility policy in January 2022.
The NCAA is taking a sport-by-sport approach, requiring athletes to follow guidelines established by their specific sport’s international governing body. This change is still being implemented, with the NCAA Board of Governors expected to convene next on April 25.
