The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) made headlines last week with its decision to effectively ban transgender women from competing in most athletic competitions, sparking a heated debate over the role of transgender athletes in intercollegiate sports.
While some argue that transgender women have a biological advantage over their cisgender counterparts, citing concerns about the sanctity of women’s sports, the science behind these claims is far from conclusive. Studies have shown that after 12 months of hormone therapy, transgender women’s testosterone levels resemble those of cisgender women, and their muscle strength either decreases or remains unchanged.
Furthermore, the number of transgender athletes, especially transgender women, competing in collegiate athletics is extremely low, making up less than 0.008 percent of the total athlete population. In contrast, a study from the Women’s Sports Foundation found that institutions within the NCAA offer disproportionately more athletic opportunities to male athletes, resulting in thousands of missed opportunities for female athletes each year.
The NAIA’s decision to ban transgender women from competing in most athletic competitions has been criticized as reductive and discriminatory, especially in the absence of strong scientific evidence supporting the claim that transgender athletes hold an advantage. Instead, calls have been made for more nuanced, science-driven policies that engage meaningfully with trans athletes.
As the debate rages on, the NCAA faces a crucial decision on whether to follow the NAIA’s lead or adopt a more inclusive approach that supports the rights of transgender athletes. With the spotlight on this contentious issue, the future of transgender participation in intercollegiate athletics hangs in the balance.