A transgender woman, Sadie Schreiner, has taken legal action against Princeton University, alleging her removal from a track meet was a violation of her rights due to her gender identity. This lawsuit, filed in New Jersey Superior Court, names the university, along with athletic director John Mack and track operations director Kimberly Keenan-Kirkpatrick, as defendants. The complaint also includes Leone Timing and Results Services, which manages the official timing for such events.
The lawsuit follows a recent update to the NCAA’s rules regarding transgender athletes, which restricts competition in women’s sports to those assigned female at birth. This change occurred after President Trump signed an executive order aimed at excluding transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
Schreiner, who transitioned during high school, had previously competed at the Rochester Institute of Technology but was set to race unattached at the Larry Ellis Invitational. She is seeking damages for what she describes as a “humiliating and dignity-stripping ordeal” experienced in front of family and friends.
Citing New Jersey’s anti-discrimination law, the complaint emphasizes that schools are places of public accommodation and should not discriminate against individuals based on their gender identity.
Schreiner’s attorney, Susie Cirilli, stated that the defendants’ actions were unacceptable in a civilized society. Meanwhile, representatives from Princeton and Leone Timing have not yet responded to requests for comment.
According to the lawsuit, Schreiner initially signed up for both the 100- and 200-meter races but later opted only for the 200. She claims to have found out just 15 minutes before her event that her name was removed from the official competitor list. After addressing the issue with timing officials, she was directed to the university’s athletic directors.
During their conversation, Keenan-Kirkpatrick allegedly implied that Schreiner’s transgender identity led to her being removed, mentioning that there might be a segregated event created just for her. This occurred despite Schreiner providing documentation affirming her female identity.
Schreiner also claimed she was excluded from a separate track event at Boston University due to the new policies. The broader discussion surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports has sparked fierce debates at both state and federal levels, with numerous states enacting laws to limit participation according to biological sex. Some of these measures are currently facing legal challenges.
