WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – In a move that will likely ripple throughout other university sports divisions, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) approved a transgender participation policy that bans transgender men from participating in women’s sports, and allows all athletes to compete in male sports.
The policy only allows athletes to participate in NAIA-sponsored women’s sports if the biological sex at birth is female and they have not started hormone therapy. However, those individuals can practice and work out.
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“We are unwavering in our support of fair competition for our student-athletes,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “It is crucial that NAIA member institutions, conferences, and student-athletes participate in an environment that is equitable and respectful. With input from our member institutions and the Transgender Task Force, the NAIA’s Council of Presidents has confirmed our path forward.”
The NAIA is made up of 241 schools nationwide and consists of smaller schools. The competition is often eclipsed by the larger National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) but this move will likely force schools there to look at creating a similar policy, or distancing itself from it.
The NCAA did release a statement following the NAIA’s policy change, saying “College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America and the NCAA will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships.”
NAIA schools in Michigan include colleges like Aquinas College, Cornerstone College, Sienna Heights University, and Spring Arbor University.
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