The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has effectively banned trans women from competing in most of its women’s sports programs.
A smaller organization similar to the NCAA, the NAIA governs college sports for more than 200 small colleges and universities. The organization voted this week to adopt a new policy mandating the majority of its women’s sports programs are only open to people assigned female at birth—effectively banning trans women from participating. Only cheerleading and dance are excluded.
Trans men can compete in women’s NAIA divisions if they have not begun testosterone-based HRT. If they have started HRT, they are able to participate in “all activities that are internal to the institution, including workouts, practices,” but individual schools will decide if they can compete.
Senior editor Mel Woods breaks down how the ban fits into the larger context of the attack on trans people’s participation in sports.
Why you can trust Xtra
