As states and Congress work to protect women’s sports, the second day of the NCAA Convention in Nashville features a demonstration hosted by the Independent Women’s Forum (IWF). The group is advocating for the NCAA to revoke its Transgender Student-Athlete Participation Policy and implement rules prohibiting male athletes from competing in women’s collegiate sports.
Former University of Nevada volleyball player Sia Li’iLi’i, a senior co-captain of her team, is among the demonstrators. “Our purpose is to demonstrate that it’s not right and that women’s sports should be for women only,” Li’iLi’i told The Center Square.
Li’iLi’i pointed to recent controversies, including her team’s October 2024 forfeit against San Jose State. That decision followed the participation of Blair Fleming, a male athlete identifying as female, which led to seven match forfeits by opposing teams. Following the season, seven of Fleming’s teammates entered the transfer portal, underscoring the divisive nature of the policy.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, requiring federally funded educational programs to prohibit men from competing in women’s sports under Title IX protections.
Despite growing calls for change, the NCAA appears unlikely to revise its policies during this week’s convention. Two lawsuits involving the governing body are still pending. NCAA President Charlie Baker recently noted that fewer than ten transgender athletes currently compete in collegiate sports out of 510,000 total athletes, but critics argue the issue has broader implications for fairness in women’s athletics.
Advocates for protecting women’s sports, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, have argued that allowing biological males to compete undermines the integrity of women’s competitions. “Men are men, women are women, and men cannot become women,” Johnson wrote on social media. “It’s just that simple.”
Li’iLi’i echoed these concerns, stating, “Men are bigger, faster, and stronger. What’s stopping a coach from recruiting a whole team of biological males if they want to win?”
However, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) defends transgender participation in sports, emphasizing its mental health and social benefits for students facing discrimination. According to an HRC study with the University of Connecticut, high school transgender and non-binary athletes reported better grades and less depression compared to non-athletes.
With mounting pressure from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and athletes like Li’iLi’i, the NCAA faces increasing scrutiny over its policies. While the convention may not result in immediate action, the ongoing debates reflect the broader cultural and legal battles shaping the future of women’s sports.