NCAA to hold softball regionals in states with transgender athlete bans

LGBTQ advocate groups are condemning the NCAA after it was announced that Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee would act as hosts for softball regionals.

All three states have passed laws prohibiting trans athletes from participating in sports teams that correspond with their gender identity. The anti-trans legislation in Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee is part of a broader wave of proposed bills across the country barring trans athletes from sport.

Advocacy groups are now calling on the NCAA to uphold their previous statement made in April that expressed support for transgender athletes. The organization set guidelines for choosing competition locations, stating, “NCAA policy directs that only locations where hosts can commit to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination should be selected.”

The NCAA has yet to comment on the state of current policy as it pertains to softball regionals.