West Virginia Senator Advocates for Women’s Locker Room Protection Amid NCAA Policies

West Virginia Senator Advocates for Women’s Locker Room Protection Amid NCAA Policies

EXCLUSIVE: West Virginia Senator Jim Justice, alongside over half a dozen Republican senators, is calling for the National Collegiate Athletic Association to clarify its regulations regarding women’s locker rooms. The senator emphasized to Fox News Digital the necessity of clearly stating that “a women’s locker room is for women only.”

Justice, a supporter of female athletes and a women’s basketball coach at Greenbrier East High School in Lewisburg, West Virginia, recently reached out to NCAA President Charlie Baker to discuss these concerns. His letter, exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, outlines the importance of safeguarding female athletes’ rights and privacy.

Female Athletes Demand Fairness in Sports

Justice’s commitment to supporting female athletes is evident in his coaching background. He highlighted, “As a coach, I understand that the last thing any athlete should worry about is their safety or privacy while in a locker room.” He expressed appreciation for the NCAA’s initial response to President Trump’s executive order but insists on further clarity regarding locker room accessibility.

“I believe the NCAA made a positive step in acknowledging the need for a safe environment for female athletes, but this must be explicitly stated across the board,” he added. Justice committed himself to ensuring women athletes, especially those he coaches, feel secure during their changing and competing experiences.

Support from Fellow Senators

The letter from Justice gained signatures from a number of high-profile senators, including Tommy Tuberville from Alabama, Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia, and Mike Lee from Utah. Collectively, they are urging the NCAA to prioritize the safety and privacy of female athletes nationwide.

In his correspondence, Justice referenced President Trump’s executive order issued on February 5, 2025. This order, titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, aims to enhance Title IX and preserve opportunities for biological female athletes. Justice believes this directive provides a much-needed reassurance for countless female athletes across the country.

Justice explained that after Trump’s executive order, the NCAA updated its participation policy to prevent biological males from competing in women’s sports. He voiced appreciation for this change but urged the organization to implement further measures to enhance safety and privacy for female competitors.

“The NCAA’s revised policy establishes that biological male athletes are not allowed to compete on women’s teams,” Justice noted. He commended this essential policy revision and its implications for female athletes.

Call for Clarification on Facilities Usage

Despite commending the NCAA’s proactive measures, Justice expressed a strong desire for additional clarification regarding facility access. He stated the organization must ensure that biological male athletes do not infringe upon the privacy of female athletes in locker rooms or other women-only spaces.

Specific language in the NCAA’s policy could explicitly prohibit biological male athletes from accessing these areas. Such steps, Justice argued, are vital to maintaining a safe environment for women and girls in sports.

Fox News Digital reached out to the NCAA for feedback on these concerns but did not receive an immediate response. However, Justice remains hopeful about the NCAA’s willingness to engage in ongoing discussions regarding these policies.

Affirmation of Sex Assigned at Birth

Justice applauded the NCAA’s position on defining “sex assigned at birth” as the designation given to infants by doctors, which is reflected in birth records. This definition is significant in the broader context of Title IX protections.

He articulated that the NCAA has affirmed its stance by stating biological male athletes cannot compete on women’s teams with altered birth certificates or through other documentation. Justice sees this public affirmation as a commendable step but believes that the NCAA’s policy should further prohibit the use of amended birth certificates for competition purposes.

“We strongly support President Trump’s unparalleled efforts to safeguard female athletes’ safety and privacy,” Justice’s letter concludes. He also expressed anticipation for future collaboration with the NCAA to ensure fair opportunities for women and girls in athletics.

With tensions surrounding inclusion policies in sports increasing, Justice’s call for clarity on these regulations reflects a broader national conversation on women’s rights in athletics. As legislators continue to push for protective measures for female athletes, the NCAA’s role in navigating this complex landscape will be closely scrutinized.

Ultimately, the protection of women’s spaces in sports is at the forefront of this debate. Justice and his colleagues’ continued advocacy highlights the importance of ensuring that sports remain a fair and safe environment for all female participants.