More than 80 LGBT sports, religious and youth advocacy groups are asking the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to divest from Christian colleges who have sought Title IX waivers against LGBT youth.
The letter signed by more than 80 groups, condemned the action of 59 religious based colleges and universities to become exempt from Title IX, which protects the rights of "all people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance."
The faith based colleges requested the waiver citing issues with sexual orientation and identity that run contrary to their religious interpretations of sexual ethics, reported The Christian Post.
"Over half of the campuses with the discriminatory waivers are participating NCAA member institutions. These requests are directly in conflict with the NCAA's longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion of all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity," the letter stated.
Once granted a waiver from Title IX, campus administrators will have the authority to deny transgender students admission, usage of public accommodations, and protection against anti LGBT actions from students and faculty.
The letter reiterated the groups' position that diversity and inclusion are important factors in promoting a learning environment for the students and combating discrimination.
"The transgender population faces systemic discrimination that leads to disproportionate rates of poverty, suicide, and murders. For students who are privileged enough to be admitted to institutions of higher education, there should not be added harm and adversity from their school's administration," the letter read.
The coalition, led by Campus Pride, a nonprofit student organisation, and Soulforce, a faith-based LGBT rights organisation, has put up a list of schools who have requested the waiver from Title IX and posted it on their website.
