Evelyn Parts, a former track and field athlete from Swarthmore College, has filed a lawsuit against the college, several athletic officials, and the NCAA. She alleges that they discriminated against her as a transgender woman.
The suit, lodged in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, claims violations of her Title IX rights, emotional distress, and civil conspiracy. Her attorney, Susan Cirilli, asserts that the NCAA’s new policies are biased. Cirilli stated, “The NCAA is a private organization that issued a bigoted policy. Swarthmore chose to follow that policy and disregard federal and state law.”
On February 6, the NCAA made a controversial decision to ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports. This policy came after an executive order from Donald Trump aimed at penalizing schools allowing transgender girls and women to compete. Previously, the NCAA permitted transgender women to participate if they met specific requirements.
The NCAA did not respond to inquiries regarding the lawsuit or how it enforces its policies. Swarthmore College officials also opted not to comment.
Evelyn Parts began her transition while she was a junior in high school. She started at Swarthmore in the fall of 2020 and became involved with the women’s cross country and track teams. However, her competitive season was delayed until 2023 due to pandemic-related cancellations and recovery from gender-affirming surgery.
When Parts finally competed, she was named captain of the track and field team in the fall of 2024. After the NCAA updated its policy, Swarthmore offered her two choices: compete in men’s events or compete unattached. Competing unattached meant she would not receive any coaching, travel, or financial support from the college.
On April 11, Parts was reinstated to the women’s team after competing unattached in two meets. At the Centennial Conference championships, she placed 13th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and 12th in the 10,000 meters.
This case echoes a growing trend in collegiate sports, where policies surrounding transgender athletes are hotly debated. Recent surveys show a significant portion of the public remains divided on these issues. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, about 62% of Americans have not heard of transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports, suggesting a lack of awareness that fuels differing opinions.
Historically, sports have been a battleground for broader social issues and identity. As conversations around gender rights and equity continue to grow, cases like Parts’ will likely have larger implications for future policies in collegiate athletics.
In a similar vein, another transgender runner recently sued Princeton University after she was removed from a race due to her gender identity. This highlights the ongoing clashes between inclusion and policy in sports today.
For further insights on the intersection of gender identity and athletics, the Human Rights Campaign provides valuable resources.
Source link
