A transgender runner, Evie Parts, has filed a federal lawsuit against Swarthmore College and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) alleging she was discriminated against and driven to depression after being barred from competing on the women’s track team due to her gender identity.
Parts, who was named one of four captains of the Swarthmore track team in 2024, claims the college chose to follow a new NCAA policy aimed at banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. The policy resulted in Parts being forced to run unattached or join the men’s team, and she was denied coaching, per diem money, and medical treatment.
The ban lasted from February to April 11, during which time Parts experienced extreme emotional distress, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts. She claims the college’s actions violated Title IX, a federal law guaranteeing equal opportunity for men and women in college sports and education.
Swarthmore fully reinstated Parts after the ban was deemed illegal, but she is now suing the NCAA for its role in perpetuating the discriminatory policy. Her attorneys argue that the NCAA is not a governmental entity and should not be bound by executive orders signed by President Trump.
Source: https://frontofficesports.com/transgender-runner-sues-swarthmore-ncaa-over-ban