A federal court ruling has allowed Riley Gaines’ claim against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to advance. The case asserts that the NCAA violated Title IX by permitting transgender athletes to compete, although all other claims in the lawsuit have been dismissed.
Prominent in conservative circles, Gaines gained attention by opposing trans athletes’ participation, notably former swimmer Lia Thomas, with whom she tied for fifth place in the 2022 NCAA championships. Gaines is now involved in a lawsuit against the NCAA and the University of Georgia, which includes 18 other current and former female athletes.
The plaintiffs argue that the NCAA’s previous policy, which permitted trans athletes to compete on a sport-by-sport basis, infringed on Title IX, the Equal Protection Clause, and their right to bodily privacy. In response to pressure from the Trump administration, the NCAA announced a ban on trans women and girls in sports leagues earlier this year.
U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson dismissed most claims but allowed the Title IX claim to proceed. The NCAA initially countered that it does not receive funding applicable under Title IX, a law preventing sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools. However, Gaines argued that federal funding through the NCAA’s Department of Defense concussion research partnership links them to Title IX. The NCAA denied direct control or receipt of these funds.
Judge Johnson stated that the allegations, if validated, might subject the NCAA to Title IX’s provisions. She acknowledged there is a plausible connection between NCAA funding and the Department of Defense that justifies continuing the case to limited discovery. Over 90 days, both parties will exchange documents and testimonies.
Despite most claims being dismissed, Gaines expressed optimism about the ruling, hailing it as progress toward proving the NCAA’s alleged Title IX violation. An NCAA spokesperson reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting Title IX and ensuring fair sports competition in a statement to Sportico.
This legal development occurs amidst ongoing debates over transgender athletes’ participation in sports and Title IX’s scope, highlighting differing perspectives on equality and fairness in collegiate athletics.