The Concerned Women for America (CWA) has lodged a Title IX complaint against the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for permitting transgender athlete Sadie Schreiner to compete on the women's track and field team. The complaint, submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, alleges that RIT's actions violate Title IX regulations by allowing a biological male to participate in women's sports. This follows recent investigations launched by the Department of Education into other institutions for similar potential Title IX violations.

CWA CEO Penny Nance argues that while RIT claims to be adhering to NCAA policy, its primary obligation is to comply with Title IX, which the NCAA's transgender participation policy allegedly contradicts. Nance emphasizes that educational institutions cannot circumvent Title IX protections for women's sports by deferring to NCAA guidelines.

Sadie Schreiner competing at the 2024 NCAA DIII outdoor track and field championships. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

RIT has stated that Schreiner is not currently competing due to the NCAA's updated policy reflecting President Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports. However, it remains unclear whether Schreiner has been removed from the team roster or continues to practice with the team. Schreiner's profile remains on the team's website, and the NCAA policy permits biological males to practice with women's teams and receive associated benefits.

President Trump's executive order withholds federal funding from institutions allowing transgender athletes in women's sports. Schreiner holds several school records in women's track and has been a central figure in the debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports. Schreiner's performance at the 2024 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championship sparked controversy. In earlier competitions, Schreiner significantly outperformed female competitors, raising concerns about fairness and competitive balance.

Sadie Schreiner with a transgender flag at the 2024 NCAA DIII outdoor track and field championships. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Schreiner previously voiced concerns about facing difficulties in securing scholarships due to state laws and college policies regarding transgender athletes. Schreiner attributed these challenges to the increasing number of states prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.