NCAA issues warning on potential Texas trans athlete ban

The NCAA is reminding Texas it requires a safe, healthy, and discrimination-free environment for its championship tournaments.

In this Feb. 18, 2017 photo, Euless Trinity’s Mack Beggs is announced as the winner of a semifinal match after Beggs pinned Grand Prairie’s Kailyn Clay during the finals of the UIL Region 2-6A wrestling tournament at Allen High School in Allen, Texas. Beggs, who is transgender, is transitioning from female to male, won the girls regional championship after a female opponent forfeited the match. (Source: Nathan Hunsinger/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

The Board of Governors put out a statement on Monday saying it requires men to undergo testosterone suppression treatment before they can compete as trans women.

The Texas Senate is considering a bill banning biological males from competing in women’s sports.

All student-athletes are expected to be treated with dignity and respect, the board said.

“Inclusion and fairness can coexist for all student-athletes, including transgender athletes, at all levels of sport,” the Board of Governors said. “We are committed to ensuring that NCAA championships are open for all who earn the right to compete in them.”

Texas is among 30 states considering bills to ban transgender girls from participating in sports consistently with their gender identity.

The Texas Senate could vote as early as this week on Senate Bill 29.