(NewsNation) — Critics say the NCAA’s new policy is a step backward, offers no protection for women and is actually a trojan horse.
Kaitlynn Wheeler, one of the women featured in XX-XY Athletics’ ads, is a former NCAA swimmer who competed against Lia Thomas. She says the collegiate athletic association’s new policy is insulting and the language is full of loopholes.
“This was deemed a victory, but it’s the opposite,” said Wheeler. “It continues to allow men in women’s sports and spaces. It’s a complete slap in the face to us who have been fighting for years. It still allows men to compete on women’s teams and access women’s locker rooms. The only way to verify sex is through birth certificates, and in 44 states, those can be changed. So this policy has no substance whatsoever.”
Jen Sey, the founder of XX-XY Athletics — who created the video that has been viewed four million times — echoed Wheeler’s complaints about birth certificates.
“Birth certificates are changeable in 44 states,” said Sey. “I went online in Colorado; it’s a simple form and $60. Once changed, it’s not marked altered; it’s just a new birth certificate. Documents are fungible. Sex is not. We’re asking for a simple sex test — just spit in a cup. How is that more invasive than a drug test?”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently filed for a temporary injunction against the NCAA for the new language.
The NCAA maintains that its policy is straightforward.
“The policy is clear that there are no waivers available, and student-athletes assigned male at birth may not compete on a women’s team with amended birth certificates or other forms of ID,” it said.
A senior White House official sent NewsNation the following statement:
“President Trump secured a huge victory in getting the NCAA to change its policy well beyond what anyone thought was possible. The NCAA policy is a game changer. If the NCAA or member schools are not complying with Title IX, then they will lose their federal funding. The NCAA knows this.”
So, this group of female athletes is appealing directly to Trump.
“President Trump, listen to female athletes directly,” said Wheeler. “Don’t just hear from people around you. This policy is not enough. It still furthers the issue, and we demand better.”