Athlete Ally Responds to NCAA Statement in Support of Trans Athletes
April 12, 2021 (New York, NY) – Athlete Ally responded today to news that the NCAA Board of Governors has released a statement in support of transgender student-athletes and their right to participate in NCAA championship events free from discrimination.
“The NCAA Board of Governors firmly and unequivocally supports the opportunity for transgender student-athletes to compete in college sports,” reads the statement. “This commitment is grounded in our values of inclusion and fair competition.”
The statement also spoke to NCAA’s commitment to uphold its 2016 nondiscrimination policy, developed in the wake of HB2 in North Carolina:
“When determining where championships are held, NCAA policy directs that only locations where hosts can commit to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination should be selected. We will continue to closely monitor these situations to determine whether NCAA championships can be conducted in ways that are welcoming and respectful of all participants.”
“Every student-athlete deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, on and off the playing field and in every area of their life,” said Anne Lieberman, Director of Policy and Programs at Athlete Ally. “Athlete Ally welcomes this statement of support from the NCAA, and hopes to see direct action in response to transgender athlete bans that have been introduced in at least 30 states this legislative session — many in states where the NCAA is slated to host championships. For all student-athletes to play at their best, their health and wellbeing should be front and center. They now know that institutions like the NCAA are supporting them.”