79% of Princeton Athletes Support Rules Barring Trans Women in Women's Sports Amidst Ongoing Legal Challenges

Princeton University is at the forefront of the national debate surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports, with a recent survey of its Class of 2028 revealing significant support for rules barring trans women from female athletic competitions. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among student-athletes, as the university also faces a discrimination lawsuit from a transgender runner.

According to a tweet from Steve McGuire, a "plurality of students" in Princeton's Class of 2028 supported such exclusionary rules. More notably, among student-athletes, "the number shoots up to 79%," indicating a strong stance from those directly involved in collegiate sports. This internal survey highlights a prevailing perspective within the university's athletic community.

The survey results emerge amidst a shifting landscape for transgender athlete participation. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) implemented a revised policy on February 6, 2025, which limits participation in women's sports to student-athletes assigned female at birth. This change followed a Presidential executive order aimed at restricting transgender women's involvement in girls' and women's sports, with Princeton University stating its adherence to NCAA guidelines.

Further complicating the situation, transgender track athlete Sadie Schreiner has filed a lawsuit against Princeton University. Schreiner alleges discrimination after being removed from the women's 200-meter race at the Larry Ellis Invitational in May. Her complaint cites the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which protects gender identity, while Princeton officials have indicated their actions align with NCAA eligibility rules.

The Princeton developments reflect a broader national contention over athletic fairness and inclusion. Numerous states have enacted laws restricting transgender women's participation, and the U.S. Supreme Court is set to review similar legal challenges. This ongoing debate involves complex considerations of biological differences, legal protections, and the evolving policies of sports governing bodies across the country.