Republican Senators Push NCAA on Women's Sports

Republican Senators, led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), have called on the NCAA to update its policies to ensure that only biological women can compete in women's sports, citing inherent athletic advantages that males have over females. This coalition includes support from notable figures like 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer Riley Gaines and groups such as Concerned Women for America. The request comes amid controversies at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Biden administration's Title IX revisions, which include 'gender identity' in the definition of discrimination. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) endorsed Blackburn's letter, emphasizing the need for fairness and safety in women's sports. The NCAA's current policy allows transgender athletes to compete under certain testosterone level conditions, which the senators argue are insufficient to negate male biological advantages.