Judge Dismisses Riley Gaines’ NCAA Title IX Lawsuit
A federal judge dismissed Riley Gaines’ lawsuit against the NCAA over transgender athlete policies, citing lack of federal funding.
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A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by former college athlete Riley Gaines against the NCAA over its transgender athlete policies, ruling that the NCAA is not subject to Title IX regulations due to a lack of direct federal funding.
U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson of the Northern District of Georgia dismissed the case on Monday, stating that the NCAA does not receive federal funds and therefore is not bound by Title IX rules. The judge also rejected the argument that the NCAA indirectly benefits from federal funding through its member schools.
“Here, there is no evidence that the NCAA ever received, or could have received, federal funds,” the judge wrote. “Thus, Plaintiffs’ Title IX claims cannot proceed.”
Gaines and Allies Plan Appeal
Gaines, who competed in the 2022 NCAA Division I swimming championships, has pledged to appeal the ruling. She expressed confidence that Americans will support her and her allies in their fight against the NCAA.
“This momentary setback will not deter me or other women athletes in the least,” Gaines stated. “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. Working together, we will defeat the NCAA’s continuing efforts to trample women’s rights in sports.”
Legal Challenge Continues
The Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), co-sponsor of the lawsuit, argued that the court made an error in its ruling. They believe the NCAA, which oversees over 1,100 member schools, should be held accountable under Title IX.
“We believe the district judge erred and that the Court of Appeals will find that the NCAA is subject to Title IX,” said ICONS Co-Founder Kim Jones, a former NCAA All-American tennis player. “We will not give up our fight for women and girls’ rights in sports.”
Gaines’ lawsuit was based on her experience competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in the 2022 NCAA championships. The lawsuit alleged that the NCAA violated the rights of female athletes by allowing biological males to compete against them in events and access women’s locker rooms.
“The NCAA’s refusal to recognize its responsibility to uphold women’s rights means the NCAA cannot be trusted to regulate anyone’s sports – men’s or women’s,” said ICONS co-founder Marshi Smith.
Source: Breitbart
