Nashville, Tenn. — Today, (Tuesday) Tennessee House Republicans made a bold statement calling on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to protect the integrity of women’s sports by quickly reversing its controversial decision allowing male athletes to compete as females. This request comes as the NCAA kicks off its annual convention in Nashville.

The letter, signed by all 75 members of the Tennessee House of Representatives Republican Caucus and spearheaded by House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville), outlines significant concerns regarding the safety and fairness of female athletes. The communication highlights the potential for serious injury and privacy violations stemming from the NCAA's policy.

“Title IX was created to give female athletes equal opportunities to compete in sports. The NCAA’s decision undermines the purpose of Title IX and discriminates against women,” Garrett stated. He emphasized that Americans have voiced clear opposition to the entry of male athletes into women’s spaces, asserting that this undermines hard-won achievements and scholarship opportunities for female athletes.

The House Republicans have been proactive in their efforts to safeguard girls' and women's sports, initiating legislative measures as early as 2021. The Tennessee General Assembly passed Public Chapter 40, which ensures that middle and high school students compete in sports corresponding with their sex at birth. This law was bolstered in subsequent years, with Public Chapter 909 in 2022 tightening restrictions against biological males competing in girls' sports, along with Public Chapter 1005 prohibiting such participation at the collegiate level.

Most recently, in 2023, the Assembly enacted Public Chapter 285, reaffirming these protections within the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) for both public and private schools.

Adding to the advocacy, Garrett filed House Joint Resolution 33 to honor University of Kentucky swimmer and Sumner County native Riley Gaines for her efforts against the inclusion of men in women’s sports. The resolution is expected to be reviewed on the House floor later this week, further emphasizing Tennessee's commitment to supporting female athletes.

As the conversation around gender policy in sports continues, Tennessee lawmakers remain steadfast in their quest to preserve opportunities for women in athletics and uphold the principles of fairness and equality that Title IX championed.