Recently, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley questioned President of the NCAA Charlie Baker about the association’s policy regarding male athletes who claim they are women. As part of his questioning, Hawley repeated testimony he’d heard a few months prior from Riley Gaines, a U.S. swimmer who was forced, with no warning, to shower, change, and compete alongside a man. Neither she nor any of her teammates were notified beforehand, let alone asked for consent. 

When Hawley asked Baker, who started his job after Gaines’ experience, about current NCAA policy, Baker first deflected and then said he didn’t believe what happened to Riley Gaines would represent current NCAA policy. 

Politician-speak aside, when asked under oath, Baker backed away from the NCAA’s previous approach. Of course, only time will tell if the NCAA actually stands up for women athletes. Hopefully, the days of men intruding on women’s sports and private spaces is coming to an end.