Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against NCAA Over Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports
Riley Gaines vows to appeal after federal judge rules NCAA is not subject to Title IX regulations.
Former college swimmer Riley Gaines has suffered a significant legal setback in her challenge against the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) policies regarding transgender athletes in women's sports. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the NCAA is not subject to Title IX regulations because it does not qualify as a recipient of federal financial assistance.
The decision by United States District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson halts the legal action filed in March 2024 by Gaines and more than a dozen other female athletes. The lawsuit was prompted by the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, where transgender swimmer Lia Thomas became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I championship.
Gaines and her co-plaintiffs have stated their intention to appeal the dismissal to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals within the 30-day window. "This momentary setback will not deter me or other women athletes in the least," Gaines said in a statement. "Rest assured, we will be appealing this decision. We are on the side of truth. I am confident Americans will rally to our side to fight the NCAA."
She added, "Working together we will defeat the NCAA's continuing efforts to trample women's rights in sports."
The plaintiffs had alleged that the NCAA violated female competitors' rights under Title IX by allowing biological males to compete in women's events and share locker room facilities. Gaines, who swam collegiately for the University of Kentucky, was a central figure in the controversy surrounding Thomas's participation and victories.