The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) voted to defend women’s sports on Monday by requiring athletes who participate in female sports to be biological women.
Students who have not begun any masculinizing hormone therapy may participate without limitation in female sports. Students who have started masculinizing hormone therapy may participate in activities internal to the institution — such as practices, workouts and team activities. External competition is not countable as defined by the NAIA can also include those individuals.
Biological sex is defined by distinguishing characteristics and can be supported by a birth certificate or signed affidavit.
The vote took place at the organization’s national convention. The policy will go into effect on Aug. 1.
Kelley Robinson, the President of the Human Rights Campaign, blamed a “right-wing outrage campaign that purposefully misrepresents and distorts the realities of transgender athletes while doing nothing to support women’s sports.”
“The NAIA should listen to Hall of Famers like Coach Dawn Staley, and do everything it can to expand access to athletics, including to correct the long-standing lack of resources and support for women’s athletics, instead of engaging in even more discrimination.”
Dordt University, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, won the NAIA’s women’s basketball title in March.
There are 11 NAIA schools in Iowa:
Briar Cliff, Sioux City
Clarke, Dubuque
Dordt, Sioux Center
Graceland, Lamoni
Grand View, Des Moines
Morningside, Sioux City
Mount Mercy, Cedar Rapids
Northwestern, Orange City
St. Ambrose, Davenport
Waldorf, Forest City
William Penn, Oskaloosa
