Transgender Athlete Evie Parts Sues College Over Track Team Removal

Long-distance runner Evie Parts has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA and Swarthmore College. She claims they unjustly removed her from the women’s track team because she’s a transgender athlete.

This lawsuit challenges the NCAA’s policy on transgender athletes. Parts argues the policy is discriminatory and doesn’t hold up legally.

The case has sparked a bigger conversation about transgender athletes’ rights in college sports. It also brings up tricky questions about the law and how these policies work.

The Lawsuit: A Fight for Rights and Recognition

Evie Parts’ lawsuit centers on her claim that removing her from the women’s track team was both illegal and discriminatory. She says the NCAA, as a private group, can’t enforce policies that go against state laws or federal rules like Title IX.

Parts was removed from the team on February 6. That same day, the NCAA announced its new policy restricting transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Legal Arguments and Implications

Her legal team, led by attorney Susie Cirilli, argues that the NCAA’s policy isn’t legally binding. Since the NCAA isn’t a government agency, it can’t override Pennsylvania law or Title IX.

They also call the policy bigoted and say Swarthmore College violated Parts’ rights by following it. The case brings up real questions about whether private organizations should have the power to make these decisions in college sports.

Impact on Mental Health and Well-being

The complaint says Parts’ removal from the team hit her hard mentally. She reportedly fell into depression and struggled with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

This part of the lawsuit points out the emotional toll of discriminatory policies on transgender athletes. It really makes you wonder if enough is being done to support and include everyone in college sports.

Swarthmore College’s Response

Swarthmore College put out a statement saying it supports the transgender community. They recognized it’s a tough time for transgender student-athletes.

The school said it tried to support Parts while also considering the rest of the women’s track team. Since the lawsuit is still ongoing, they didn’t share any more details.

NCAA’s Policy on Transgender Athletes

The NCAA’s new policy lets only people assigned female at birth compete in women’s sports. This change came right after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports.

The timing of all this has stirred up a lot of debate. People can’t seem to agree on where the line should be between rights and regulations in sports.

State Legislation and Broader Context

This lawsuit comes as states rethink their own laws on transgender athletes. Pennsylvania’s state Senate just approved a bill to ban transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports at both college and K-12 levels.

While the Democratic-controlled House probably won’t vote on it, the bill is part of a bigger national push to limit transgender athletes’ participation. It’s a trend that’s hard to ignore.

Personal Journey and Athletic Career

Evie Parts joined Swarthmore’s track team in fall 2020. She took a break during the winter and spring, then came back in 2023 for indoor and outdoor track and cross country.

Despite her commitment, Parts faced big challenges after the NCAA changed its policy. The lawsuit says she was told she could join the men’s team or compete unattached, but she’d lose out on medical care, coaching, and team support.

Reinstatement and Continued Advocacy

Parts rejoined the women’s team fully on April 11 and competed until she graduated in May. Her case has shined a light on what transgender athletes go through and why inclusive policies matter.

Parts’ legal fight is part of a larger movement pushing for transgender rights in sports and beyond. It’s not just about her—it’s about changing the system.