Concerned Women of America (CWA) is leading an effort to protect women’s sports following the identification of a transgender athlete on the San Jose State University (SJSU) women’s volleyball team. Blaire Fleming, a transgender player, has had a significant impact on the team’s undefeated season with her 6-foot-1 presence on the court. Macy Petty, a CWA legislative assistant and former NCAA volleyball athlete, spoke about the organization’s goal to raise awareness about the issue. Petty emphasized the need to protect the integrity and safety of female athletes in collegiate sports, particularly in instances where transgender players are not disclosed to opposing teams.
Petty shared her own experience encountering a transgender athlete during her college volleyball recruiting process, feeling blindsided by the lack of information provided by the NCAA and the school. She expressed concern for female athletes facing difficult decisions between their education and their safety and dignity. CWA has taken action by filing a federal civil rights complaint alleging female discrimination against San Jose State University, as well as sending letters to schools competing against SJSU to inform them about transgender athletes on the team and the potential impact on female athletes.
Boise State University recently decided to forfeit a match against SJSU, following concerns over Fleming’s participation in the game. Idaho Governor Brad Little commended Boise State’s decision, aligning it with his executive order “Defending Women’s Sports Act.” The University of Wyoming also decided to forfeit a conference game against SJSU, further highlighting the impact of the controversy surrounding transgender players in women’s sports. The lawsuit filed in Georgia against the NCAA, led by former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines and SJSU volleyball player Brooke Slusser, adds to the ongoing discussion about transgender eligibility policies in collegiate sports.
Slusser, who transferred to SJSU from the University of Alabama, described her experience rooming with Fleming on road trips and learning about her teammate’s transgender identity from a student’s comment. The lawsuit alleges that SJSU did not immediately inform Slusser about Fleming’s transgender identity and highlighted concerns about the player’s physical abilities potentially causing injuries to teammates. The suit also mentioned the NCAA’s Transgender Eligibility Policies, which permitted Fleming to play on the women’s volleyball team and raised questions about recruitment, scholarships, and violations of bodily privacy rights. The impact of the lawsuit and the decision of schools to forfeit games against SJSU as a result of the controversy demonstrates the growing importance of addressing transgender participation in women’s sports.
The efforts of Concerned Women of America to protect female athletes and raise awareness about transgender participation in collegiate sports have sparked important conversations and actions within the athletic community. By filing a federal civil rights complaint and informing schools about transgender players on opposing teams, CWA is advocating for the integrity and safety of women’s sports. The decision of schools like Boise State and the University of Wyoming to forfeit games against SJSU due to concerns over transgender participation reflects the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding the issue. The lawsuit filed against the NCAA by former athletes further underscores the need for clear policies and guidelines regarding transgender eligibility in women’s sports. This development sheds light on the complexities and implications of transgender athletes competing at the collegiate level and emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of female athletes in sports.
