Indiana Governor Bans Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports, Honors Athlete Alleging Lost Scholarship

Indiana Governor Mike Braun made headlines Tuesday after signing an executive order that prohibits transgender athletes from competing in women’s college sports. The move, which has sparked intense debate, was underscored by the presence of former San Jose State University (SJSU) volleyball player Elle Patterson, who claims she lost a scholarship opportunity to a transgender athlete.

"Women’s sports create opportunities for young women to earn scholarships and develop leadership skills," Braun said during the announcement. "Hoosiers overwhelmingly don’t want those opportunities destroyed by allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports, and today’s executive order will make sure of that."

The order directs Indiana’s state educational institutions to adhere to the 2020 Title IX Rule, bypassing the Biden administration’s 2024 reinterpretation that expanded protections based on gender identity. Braun emphasized that this measure aims to protect the integrity of women’s athletics and preserve female-only opportunities in sports.

In a follow-up executive order, Braun also reinforced Indiana’s legal definitions of terms like "sex," "gender," and "male," rejecting what he called "extreme gender ideology" in favor of the "scientific reality of biological sex." He added, "Today’s executive order will end any confusion about our state’s policy on this issue so we can focus on my goal to secure freedom and opportunity for all Hoosiers."

The event took a personal turn as Braun honored Patterson, who has been outspoken about her experiences. Patterson is part of a lawsuit against SJSU and the Mountain West Conference, alongside other athletes and a former assistant coach, alleging that the university failed to uphold verbal scholarship commitments made to her. Instead, Patterson claims, a full scholarship was awarded to Blaire Fleming, a transgender athlete, leaving her to bear the full financial burden of out-of-state tuition.

"Ultimately, Patterson informed Associate Head Coach Batie-Smoose and Head Coach Todd Kress that she was financially unable to pay for full out-of-state tuition, room, and board at SJSU again in 2024 and therefore would be unable to return to the SJSU Team without a scholarship," court documents allege. Despite her pleas, she says, the coaching staff stood firm: no scholarship for her, while Fleming retained a full ride.

During his remarks, Braun expressed sympathy for Patterson’s plight. "It's just wrong, and leaders need to stand up for young women like Elle," he said. "We need to protect their physical safety and the great opportunities that come with that athletic excellence."

The governor’s actions come on the heels of a failed attempt by the U.S. Senate to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The bill received 51 votes from the Republican majority but was blocked by a Democratic filibuster. Braun’s executive order ensures that Indiana will not face similar legislative roadblocks, echoing a similar measure passed by Idaho Governor Brad Little last year.

As the battle over transgender athletes in sports continues to dominate headlines, Braun’s orders are certain to fuel ongoing debates nationwide. Whether seen as a defense of fairness in women’s sports or a controversial rollback of LGBTQ rights, this is one move that won’t be fading from the national conversation anytime soon.