Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker He was named to succeed Mark Emmert as NCAA president on Thursday as the organization aims to navigate some murky waters after 2023.
One of the challenges the NCAA faced during the 2021-2022 track and field season was the growing number of transgender women. Athlete Leah Thomaswon the NCAA and Ivy League championships during the women’s swimming season. Thomas’ participation caused controversy and caused wide-ranging changes among several sports.
Many believe that Thomas did not belong in a pool competing with biological women, suggesting that Thomas had a distinct advantage over other women. was able to participate in the NCAA championship as formulated a policy To be introduced in the 2022-2023 school year.
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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker delivers his Federal State Address at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.
(Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via AP, File)
On Thursday, a women’s group said it hoped Baker’s appointment would demonstrate the NCAA’s commitment to protecting female athletes in sport.
“The appointment of Charlie Baker could be a much-needed reset in the NCAA for female athletes, and we hope he takes the lead.” As someone dedicated to the welfare of our children, I hope Governor Baker understands that no one should suffer the harassment, intimidation, and discrimination that women athletes face in the NCAA today.”
“Outgoing NCAA President Mark Emmert has treated women as second-rate athletes by allowing men like Leah Thomas to participate in women’s sports, and completely denied our status as women. and has overseen a decade of the degradation of women’s sports in college. is the ultimate form of discrimination against women.”
Leah Thomas watches the NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships March 18, 2022 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
(Mike Cummer/NCAA Photo via Getty Images)
NCAA Name Governor of Massachusetts.Charlie Baker President-Elect
“We call on Baylor President Linda Livingstone, NCAA Board Chair, and Governor Baker to end the exclusion of female athletes in their sports and deny their right to fairness and equity in sports. Title IX, however, would strike at its fairness by allowing men to participate in women’s sports.”
Baker, a Republican, has a lot to juggle in representing Emmert. However, in his first press conference, he said he was ready and willing to meet these challenges.
“I have always believed in the tremendous power of sport to bring people together,” Baker said in a statement. Look, I truly believe that we are at a very important time for the NCAA, and the enthusiasm, the life and professional experiences I have had, the people I have met, the relationships I have made, and all the people involved in the NCAA. Together we can be a big part of helping to bring this together.”
Leah Thomas of Pennsylvania prepares to swim the women’s 500-yard freestyle final at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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“I think the challenges are really important, but the possibilities and opportunities if we succeed are immense. I am extremely honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve.
