Lafayette College Takes a Stand: NCAA’s Ban on Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports Explained

The NCAA followed President Donald Trump’s Feb. 5 executive order barring transgender women from women’s sports. (Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

Lafayette College is now following the NCAA’s new ban on transgender women competing in women’s sports. Mike Chamberlain, the senior associate athletic director, explained that the college must adhere to NCAA policies.

On February 5, the NCAA announced this ban. This decision comes after President Trump’s executive order, which restricts transgender women and girls from participating in female competitions. Following this, the Department of Education suggested that athletic organizations should revoke awards given to trans female athletes in the past.

NCAA President Charlie Baker stated that a consistent national standard is essential for today’s student-athletes. He believes this new policy will provide clarity amidst varying state regulations.

As of February 6, Lafayette adopted this new rule. Under this policy, athletes assigned male at birth cannot compete on NCAA women’s teams. However, they can still practice with their team and enjoy other benefits, as long as they meet certain eligibility criteria.

Previously, Lafayette allowed transgender women to compete in women’s sports only after a year of testosterone suppression treatment. Gabby Hochfeld, who coordinates gender and sexuality programs at the college, noted that this policy may also impact intersex athletes and cisgender women with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Concerns about hormonal differences, often cited as a competitive edge for trans athletes, are not exclusive to them. Some cisgender women might naturally have higher testosterone levels.

In a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting last December, Baker mentioned that there are “less than 10” transgender athletes competing in NCAA sports.

Sociology professor Rebecca Kissane pointed out that the NCAA’s ban replaces their earlier varied approach, where each sport could set its own trans athlete policy.

Despite this ban, anyone can still compete in men’s sports regardless of their gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Kissane raised concerns about cultural biases that view women and girls as weaker in sports, linking this to historical sex testing practices.

Lucy McShane, a senior soccer player and a member of Lafayette’s Athlete Ally group, emphasized the need to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ athletes during these changes. She stressed the importance of equal access to sports for everyone.

Hochfeld is organizing an LGBTQIA+ town hall to discuss these issues and reported feeling supported by the college’s administration in navigating these challenges.

She acknowledged the complexity of making structural changes amid this evolving situation.