Atlanta, Georgia – The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has taken a significant step by unanimously requesting that the NCAA and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) implement bans on transgender women participating in women’s sports. This decision comes after a recent vote, with the board asking these athletic federations to adopt policies similar to those of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which has already moved to restrict transgender athletes from competing in women’s events at its member institutions.
Currently, among the 25 colleges in Georgia with sports programs, four are members of the NJCAA, five belong to the NAIA, and the remaining 16 are part of the NCAA. This includes major universities like the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. The NAIA permits participation in men’s sports for all athletes, but only allows those assigned female at birth without hormone therapy to compete in women’s sports.
The topic has garnered attention since past events like the 2022 NCAA swimming championships, where Lia Thomas, a swimmer who transitioned from male to female, stirred controversy by competing in women’s events. Many female athletes, including former collegiate swimmers, have voiced concerns that they faced unfair competition against Thomas, prompting discussions at the state level regarding the fairness of sports.
Previously, the Georgia General Assembly considered legislation that would restrict transgender athletes from competing based on their gender identity, but the bill did not pass entirely. Instead, the decision was left to the Georgia High School Association, which had established a similar ban two years ago.
Supporters of the ban, including Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, argue that it is vital to protect opportunities for female athletes and preserve fairness in women’s sports. Jones has expressed a commitment to reintroducing legislation during the next session that would expand the ban to public colleges in Georgia.
Critics of the ban, including some Georgia Democratic lawmakers and supporters of transgender rights, argue that such restrictions are discriminatory and could lead to further marginalization of already vulnerable youth. They highlight the mental health challenges that transgender young people face, emphasizing the need for supportive environments.
The Board of Regents’ recent action highlights the ongoing debate around transgender participation in sports, reflecting broader societal discussions about inclusion, gender identity, and fairness in athletics.
