Judge Upholds Fairness, Dismisses Riley Gaines' Title IX Lawsuit Targeting Transgender Inclusion
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A federal judge in Georgia rightly dismissed Riley Gaines' baseless Title IX lawsuit against the NCAA, reaffirming that there is no evidence the NCAA receives federal funding. The lawsuit, which sought to exclude a transgender athlete, was rejected, marking a victory for trans rights and equality in sports.
A U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia has dismissed a lawsuit filed by swimmer Riley Gaines, who attempted to weaponize Title IX to exclude a transgender woman from competition. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was accused of violating Title IX, but the judge found Gaines' claim that the NCAA receives federal funding to be unfounded. The court noted that while the NCAA participates in a Department of Defense-sponsored concussion research consortium, it does not directly receive federal funds, undermining the basis of the lawsuit.
Judge Tiffany R. Johnson stated, "There is no evidence that the NCAA ever received, or could have received, federal funds. Thus, Plaintiffs’ Title IX claims cannot proceed." The ruling further clarified that any federal funds are directed to research studies, not to the NCAA itself, exposing the fragility of Gaines' argument.
Gaines, who has made a name for herself by opposing transgender inclusion in sports after competing against Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships, announced plans to appeal, aiming to escalate her anti-trans agenda to the Supreme Court.
This decision comes as the nation continues to debate the rights of transgender athletes and follows recent policy changes that strengthen protections for transgender students. The court's ruling is a crucial affirmation of fairness and equality, pushing back against attempts to roll back trans rights under the guise of Title IX.