Trans athlete Sadie Schreiner sues Princeton over exclusion from women's race

In early May 2025, Sadie Schreiner, a transgender athlete previously associated with Rochester Institute of Technology, initiated legal action against Princeton University after being excluded from a women’s event at the Larry Ellis Invitational. According to the lawsuit, officials informed Schreiner approximately 15 minutes before the race that participation would be limited to females. The complaint asserts that this decision caused emotional distress for Schreiner, who argues that it constitutes discrimination under New Jersey law, which protects gender identity and expression. Schreiner's legal battle highlights the ongoing complexities and controversies surrounding transgender participation in sports, especially after changes implemented by federal and state policies influenced competitive eligibility. Prior to this incident, Schreiner had garnered attention for competing on behalf of the women's track and field team at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she achieved notable victories in events such as the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes. Following a revised NCAA gender eligibility policy in February 2025, she was ruled ineligible to participate for RIT, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order affecting trans athletes' rights. This ruling contributed to a growing frustration among transgender athletes who feel their abilities to compete are being unfairly constrained by law and policy changes. In an Instagram post, she expressed uncertainty about her future in competitive sports, mentioning that she may have just completed her final meet in the U.S. Schreiner’s challenges with participation extend beyond Princeton. She has voiced concerns about the hurdles transgender individuals face when attempting to transfer to other educational institutions, especially with a significant number of states imposing limitations on competition based on biological sex. These barriers have led to challenges in continuing her athletic career at the collegiate level. Schreiner’s case evolves amidst a heated national dialogue over transgender rights and fairness in competitive sports, particularly as similar cases arise against institutions enforcing new policies in conflict with self-identification as female. The lawsuit against Princeton University serves as a further point of contention in this discourse, reflecting the broader societal struggle over the intersection of gender identity, competitive athletics, and legal rights. Schreiner’s experience underscores the personal impacts of these policies, as she seeks to assert her rights while navigating a landscape that often feels hostile to her participation. As debates over transgender athletes' inclusion continue, Schreiner's legal case may influence future rulings and conversations in sports, educational environments, and beyond.