Republicans urge NCAA to change policy on trans athletes to ensure 'fair environment for women’s sports'

Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders spoke Tuesday to Charly Arnolt on "OutKick The Morning" about continued efforts to ensure the competitiveness of women’s sports.

Nine Republican governors sent a letter to the NCAA on Monday urging that the organization change its policy regarding transgender student-athletes to "guarantee a fair environment for women’s sports." 

The current policy has drawn mounting criticism since the NCAA last updated it in January 2022, moving to a "sport-by-sport" approach, similar to the policy of the International Olympic Committee. 

NCAA banners hang before the start of the Division I Mens Swimming and Diving Championships held at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center on March 24, 2023 in Minneapolis. (Carlos Gonzalez/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

"The NCAA has the chance to guarantee an environment where female college athletes can thrive without the concern of inequities," the letter read in part. 

NCAA PRESIDENT CHARLIE BAKER DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM PREDECESSOR’S POLICIES ON TRANS ATHLETES

"We trust that you also want to guarantee just such an environment. But this policy allows the NCAA to avoid responsibility for ensuring the fairness of collegiate sports – therefore it must be changed." 

Gov. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Ark., Gov. Tate Reeves, R-Miss.Gov. Mike Parson, R-Mo., Gov. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., Gov. ​​Joe Lombardo, R-Nev., Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Okla., Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, and Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyo., all signed the letter sent to the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports. 

"The NCAA has the opportunity to guarantee a fair environment for women’s sports," the letter continued.  

Riley Gaines, now a spokeswoman for