East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Jim Risch, Mike Crapo, and Jim Justice have addressed a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker, requesting clarification on the organization's policy regarding the presence of biological males in women's locker rooms. The senators are advocating for clear guidelines to ensure the privacy and safety of female athletes.

Senator Risch stated, "Our hardworking female athletes should not be forced to share private, safe spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms with biological males. It’s wrong, dangerous, and out of step with the beliefs of the American people." He emphasized the need for the NCAA to address policy gaps to protect women and girls in sports.

Senator Crapo added his concerns about competition fairness: "Female athletes invest immense time and effort to excel in sports, only to face the prospect of unfair competition from biological males in women's categories." He acknowledged the NCAA's compliance with a previous executive order by President Trump but urged further protections for female student-athletes in locker rooms.

As a coach himself, Senator Justice expressed his perspective on athlete safety: “I’m a coach, and I know the last thing any athlete needs is to be distracted or concerned with their own safety or privacy while in a locker room.” He supports ensuring that women's locker rooms remain exclusive to women.

The letter was also signed by Senators Tommy Tuberville, Shelley Moore Capito, James Lankford, Mike Lee, and Jim Banks.