NCAA Says It ‘Firmly’ Supports Transgender Athletes, Will Only Hold Championships Where There Is No Discrimination

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Board of Governors says it “firmly” supports transgender athletes and will only hold championships in locations “free of discrimination.”

In a statement on Monday, the organization said, “The NCAA Board of Governors firmly and unequivocally supports the opportunity for transgender student-athletes to compete in college 🏆Sports. This commitment is grounded in our values of inclusion and fair competition.”

“The NCAA has a long-standing policy that provides a more inclusive path for transgender participation in college 🏆Sports,” the statement continued.”

The board went on to note that it “requires testosterone suppression treatment for transgender women to compete in women’s 🏆Sports.”

“Inclusion and fairness can coexist for all student-athletes, including transgender athletes, at all levels of sport. Our clear expectation as the Association’s top governing body is that all student-athletes will be treated with dignity and respect.”

Finally, the NCAA said, “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.”