OWU Cites Transgender Bathroom Debate For Withdrawing From NAIA Tourney

The national debate over transgender bathrooms has prompted Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville to pull out of this year's NAIA cross country championship.

The meet was moved out of North Carolina in response to the state's law that bans businesses and schools from allowing people to use locker rooms and bathrooms matching their gender identity.

Oklahoma Wesleyan President Everett Piper said the NAIA should give female athletes the right to have their own restrooms.

“How can the NAIA claim to be an organization that ‘champions character’ if its leadership so eagerly breaks its word and its contract with the state of North Carolina?” questioned Dr. Piper. 

“And how can we claim to be an organization that supports women if our leadership is so willing to deny female athletes the right to have their own bathrooms, showers, toilet, and lavatory? The NAIA’s disregard for such basic rights is sobering.”

A religious college in Springfield, Missouri also pulled out of the championship.