PSAC reiterates support for transgender athletes’ competition

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, which includes Lock Haven University among its 18 member institutions, has posted a release noting the conference’s support for NCAA policy that allows transgender athletes to compete in collegiate athletics.

The same release takes note of the recently introduced state House Bill 972 which would prevent transgender athletes from competing against “biological” female athletes in Pennsylvania. 76th district state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Centre) is among the five female Republican state House members who recently introduced that measure.

The PSAC release:

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference office announced its position on transgender student-athlete participation Tuesday. The PSAC with its 18 member institutions; 17 located within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, support the current NCAA policy that allows the opportunity for transgender athletes to compete in intercollegiate athletics.

The PSAC, along with the NCAA, have policies that provide for a fair and inclusive path for transgender participation in sports. Every opportunity for participation in sports should be made available to young people at every stage of development from youth sports to high school to intercollegiate athletics.

Pennsylvania campuses and towns are frequently selected as regional and national championship sites by the NCAA and the passage of House Bill 972 could jeopardize those opportunities.

There are many opportunities for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support women’s sports and we stand willing to help in those endeavors.

The PSAC is headquartered in Lock Haven. Steve Murray is the conference commissioner.