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Due to the presence of a transgender player on the opposing squad, Utah State University canceled their volleyball match against San Jose State.
One contentious topic has been the involvement of transgender athletes. While detractors contend that trans athletes could have a physical edge, supporters promote inclusion.
There were boycotts and contentious discussions during the 2024 Olympics as a result of this argument.
In the US, a number of colleges have canceled games featuring San Jose State’s transgender player, including Utah State.
Utah State recently forfeited games against San Jose State, joining three other colleges in doing so. They acknowledged their decision to skip the October 23 game in a statement, but they gave no justification for the change.
None of the colleges that forfeited specifically linked their choices to the transgender athlete. The University of Wyoming did, however, allude to extensive internal deliberations that shaped their decision.
In reference to the forfeiture’s official record, Utah State stated that it will adhere to Mountain West Conference regulations.
San Jose State spokesperson Michelle Smith McDonald stressed the importance of privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
She said she was disappointed by the forfeitures: “Our SJSU student-athletes are being unjustly excluded from competition while completely adhering to NCAA and Mountain West regulations.
We are still dedicated to giving every student-athlete a welcoming, equitable, and courteous atmosphere.
According to reports, a conservative website’s rumors were the cause of this wave of forfeitures.
The dispute began when an anonymous parent who was interviewed by the website stated that there were unsubstantiated rumors of a transgender player on San Jose State’s squad.
A case filed by female athletes Riley Gaines and Brooke Slusser, who claim Title IX breaches, is presently being defended by the NCAA.
Slusser says she had mental and bodily anguish after a trans teammate came out as transgender.
The NCAA is accused in the case of neglecting to provide equitable competition and sufficient protections for every athlete.
Citing large investments in women’s sports and a dedication to competitive fairness, the NCAA has defended its rules.
The incident draws attention to still another important problem: the unconsented disclosure of the trans athlete’s gender identification.
Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, denounced the forfeitures, saying they are part of larger political assaults on the LGBTQ+ community. He underlined that such behavior is detrimental to all participating pupils.