Justice, WVU react to NCAA response to transgender bill

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Governor Jim Justice has expressed support for the transgender bill and will sign it or let it become law, but he is not in favor of a veto.

“I just can’t possibly get through my head that it is the right thing for at a middle school level or a high school level in our state for me not to support the bill,” Justice said during the Wednesday coronavirus briefing.

The NCAA released a statement saying they are closely monitoring these efforts across the country and NCAA championships hosting opportunities will be awarded based on a willingness to welcome and be respectful to all participants.

“The addition of the college aspect could cause some ramifications,” Justice said.

WVU executive director of communications, April Kaull released the following statement to MetroNews:
“We are still reviewing the legislation and the impact it will have on WVU and our student athletes as it relates to NCAA tournament competition.”

The West Virginia bill says a birth certificate would be required upon admission to public school confirming the person’s sex at birth, banning transgendered participants.

“The NCAAP has moved to a more political, politically correct or liberal body,” Justice said,” And they could very well penalize us in West Virginia.”

West Virginia joins Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas as states that have recently passed similar measures.

“There is some talk that we could come back into a special session and retroactively look at it,” Justice said,” I am either going to let it become law or sign it.”