Wokism has been the death knell for so many traditional aspects of American life. That is especially true in the realm of college sports. The San Jose State University women’s volleyball team includes a transgender player. As a result, four other college teams have canceled their games against San Jose State. The NCAA has decided to step in, requiring colleges to play and prohibiting any additional forfeitures. This is based on Title IX requirements.
Teams forfeit their matches against San José State
In a series of contentious decisions, five college volleyball teams have chosen to forfeit their matches against San José State University (SJSU). This position is shared by the University of Nevada, Reno, Utah State University, the University of Wyoming, Boise State University, and Southern Utah University. The forfeits are the result of concerns about a transgender player on the SJSU team, which has sparked debate about fairness in women’s collegiate sports.
The controversy began when conservative websites speculated about the possibility of a transgender athlete on SJSU’s team. This caused a ripple effect throughout the volleyball community, with several teams canceling scheduled matches. Politicians, athletes, and advocacy groups have all expressed their opinions on the complex issue of transgender participation in women’s sports.
A 5th university has now forfeited their volleyball game against San Jose State due to a transgender player on the team. These young women have shown more courage than the entire NCAA.
Biological men should NOT be playing women’s sports.https://t.co/9GXhwytktz
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) October 17, 2024
San José State’s Response and NCAA Policies
San José State University has firmly supported its team and players. The university emphasized that all of its athletes follow NCAA and Mountain West Conference policies, making them eligible to compete. SJSU condemned targeted campaigns against its students and reiterated its commitment to inclusivity.
“It is disappointing that our SJSU student athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules and regulations, are being denied opportunities to compete,” in an emailed statement on behalf of the university. ”
The NCAA, which governs collegiate sports, updated its transgender athlete policy in January 2022. However, the NCAA always held women’s sports to be made up of women members prior to this policy change.
A 5th team has chosen to boycott the San Jose State women's volleyball team and its alleged trans athlete. @Riley_Gaines_ is celebrating. How many more @NCAA teams will forfeit against this supposed trans athlete? And where are the NCAA and Conference???https://t.co/kyEMWFw7km
— Cyd Zeigler (@CydZeigler) October 14, 2024
Political and Legal Implications
The controversy has not escaped political attention. Republican governors of Utah and Idaho publicly supported the universities’ decisions to forfeit matches. It’s worth noting that both states have laws prohibiting transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity, which are currently blocked by lawsuits.
“The University acknowledges that a student athlete’s refusal to participate in the match with San José State University can be interpreted as free expression that is protected by the First Amendment,” Sandoval said.
The situation has also sparked legal action. SJSU player Brooke Slusser joined a lawsuit against the NCAA, claiming its policy allowing transgender women to compete violates Title IX. Brooke has sided with the colleges that have forfeited and Praises them for protection of women’s sports .
Ongoing Debate and Future Implications
The forfeiture of these volleyball matches represents a broader debate about transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. Advocates for transgender rights argue that the player’s gender identity has been shared without consent, while others express concerns about competitive fairness.
The ongoing controversy highlights the need for clear, comprehensive policies in collegiate sports that balance inclusivity with competitive integrity. The decisions made in this case could set precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future, potentially shaping the landscape of transgender athlete participation in college sports.
Sources:
- Four college volleyball teams forfeit against San José State over possible trans player
- UNR upholds volleyball match against San Jose State amid boycott over transgender athlete
