Transgender Athlete Sues SUNY Geneseo NCAA Over Gender Race Ban

Sadie Schreiner, a transgender sprinter and former athlete at Rochester Institute of Technology, has filed a lawsuit against SUNY Geneseo, its athletic department, and the NCAA after being barred from competing in women's 200- and 400-meter races at the Geneseo Early Invitational in March 2025. Schreiner was initially allowed to compete in 2024 but was denied entry following an NCAA policy change in February 2025 that bans transgender women from participating in women's sports, a policy enacted shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing similar restrictions. Despite qualifying for the races and registering as an unattached athlete, Schreiner was told by SUNY Geneseo's track coach that competing in the women's category was prohibited under NCAA rules, and she was only offered a solo exhibition event. The lawsuit claims that SUNY Geneseo and the NCAA violated New York State Human Rights Law by discriminating against Schreiner based on gender identity and accuses the defendants of civil conspiracy and causing emotional distress. The case highlights ongoing tensions between NCAA policy, state human rights laws, and federal executive orders regarding transgender athletes' participation in sports. SUNY Geneseo has declined further comment, while the NCAA continues to enforce its policy despite state law considerations.