Transgender track and field athlete Sadie Schreiner recently expressed concerns about the scarcity of transfer options for trans athletes in college through a social media video. Schreiner, who competed at the Division-III Rochester Institute of Technology, highlighted the difficulties faced by transgender athletes seeking transfers, particularly given the legislative landscape in 25 states that restricts transgender participation in women's sports.

Schreiner pointed out the additional obstacles faced by trans athletes beyond the usual transfer challenges. "Fifty percent of the country has banned me from competing, effectively preventing me from attending colleges in those states, even with full-ride scholarship offers," Schreiner explained. It's important to note that the laws in question don't prohibit Schreiner from attending these colleges, but rather from competing on women's sports teams. Schreiner also noted that even when coaches expressed strong interest, college administrations often intervened to prevent participation.

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

Schreiner's participation in the 2024 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championship sparked considerable debate. While finishing last in the 400m, Schreiner, a biological male, occupied a spot that could have gone to a biological female. Earlier that month, at the Liberty League Championship Meet, Schreiner won both the women's 200m and 400m, setting a new 400m record. However, that same performance would have placed Schreiner last by over two seconds in the men's competition.

Despite the backlash, Schreiner continues to seek competitive opportunities in women's sports and has publicly expressed frustration over the lack thereof. Schreiner also voiced concerns about the broader social and political climate surrounding transgender rights in the US, while confirming intentions to compete at the NCAA level in 2025.

"Transgender individuals are facing significant challenges right now, with rights being eroded and those in power either condoning or passively allowing it," Schreiner stated. "However, we are not going away. I am not going away, and I fully expect to be back on the track competing this coming January."

Schreiner's comments come at the end of a year marked by intense discussion surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports, both domestically and internationally. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged a complete ban on transgender participation in girls' and women's sports during his upcoming term, with apparent widespread Republican support. Democratic opinions on the issue are more divided, with progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez maintaining support for transgender inclusion, while moderates like Seth Moulton have reconsidered their stance.

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

On December 20th, the Department of Education under President Joe Biden withdrew a proposed rule change that would have prohibited schools from barring transgender athletes from women's sports. The Department cited ongoing lawsuits and public feedback as reasons for not pursuing the regulation at this time.

Numerous states have taken legal action and implemented their own laws to address the issue following the Biden-Harris administration's broad rule interpreting Title IX's prohibition of sex discrimination to include gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy-related conditions. In August, the Supreme Court blocked the administration's attempt to enforce this rule.