Trans athletes banned from women’s college sports in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

The policy passed in a 20-0 vote by the NAIA Council of Presidents, according to the Associated Press. The NAIA oversees around 83,000 athletes across the country.

The policy states all athletes can compete in male divisions, but female divisions are reserved for those whose biological sex is female and have not undergone masculinizing hormone treatment.

A student who has begun masculinizing hormone therapy is allowed to participate in "All activities that are internal to the institution (does not include external competition), including workouts, practices, and team activities. Such participation is at the discretion of the NAIA member institution where the student is enrolled."

"External competition that is not a countable contest as defined by the NAIA. Such participation is at the discretion of the NAIA member institution where the student is enrolled."

The policy does not apply to competitive cheerleading and dance. It goes into effect on August 1.

"Each NAIA sport includes some combination of strength, speed, and stamina, providing competitive advantages for male student-athletes. As a result, the NAIA policy for transgender student-athletes applies to all sports except for competitive cheer and competitive dance, which are open to all students," the policy states.

NAIA’s current season regulations allowed trans-identified athletes to compete in the division of their choice during the regular season. In the postseason, athletes were required to compete in the division of their birth sex, with some exceptions being made for those who have had hormone therapy.

The NAIA has 241 member schools, 190 of which are private. Around 125 of those private school members are religious-affiliated schools. Of the 20 presidents who voted on the policy, 17 are from Christian schools.

NAIA Policy by Tommy on Scribd