Utah State Volleyball Makes Bold Move, Refuses to Play Against Trans Athlete

Utah State University was scheduled to play volleyball against San Jose State but decided not to participate because San Jose had a trans athlete on their team. This decision has sparked debate and controversy.

Trans Athletes and Public Debate
Trans athletes have been a hot topic in recent years. While some people support inclusivity and equality in sports, others argue that trans athletes may have physical advantages. This debate intensified during the 2024 Olympics and has led some universities, including Utah State, to withdraw from games involving trans athletes. San Jose State has faced this situation multiple times this year.

Four Universities Forfeit
Utah State is one of four universities that have forfeited games against San Jose State. Their match, scheduled for October 23, was canceled. While none of the universities have explicitly said their decision was due to the presence of a trans athlete, some statements hint at the connection. The University of Wyoming, another school that forfeited, stated that their decision came after “lengthy discussions.” Utah State said they would follow conference policies on recording the forfeiture.

San Jose State’s Response
Michelle Smith McDonald, a spokesperson for San Jose State, stated that the university cannot discuss students’ gender identities due to privacy laws. She also expressed disappointment, saying, “Our student-athletes, who comply with NCAA and Mountain West rules, are being denied opportunities to compete.” San Jose State stands by their commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and respect for all athletes.

Controversy and Speculation
The controversy began earlier this year when a conservative website claimed there were “rumors” about a trans athlete at San Jose State. An anonymous parent reportedly expressed concerns, fueling the speculation.

Lawsuit Against NCAA
Several female athletes, including Riley Gaines and Brooke Slusser, have sued the NCAA, accusing it of violating Title IX, which protects against sex-based discrimination in education. Slusser claimed a trans athlete personally told her about their identity and alleged that competing alongside them caused her emotional distress. The lawsuit also states she refused to use the athlete’s preferred pronouns.

Despite the lawsuit, the NCAA has defended its policies, saying they have made significant investments in women’s sports while ensuring fair competition for all athletes.

Privacy and Rights
The situation also raises concerns about the privacy rights of the trans athlete involved. While their identity hasn’t been officially confirmed, the rumors have spread widely. Advocacy groups, like Equality California, argue that the focus on trans athletes is part of a broader attack on the LGBTQ+ community. Tony Hoang, the group’s director, criticized the forfeitures for harming all students involved.

Trans Athletes in Sports
The conversation about trans athletes competing began gaining attention in 2021 when Laurel Hubbard became the first openly trans athlete to compete in the Olympics. Hubbard, a New Zealand weightlifter, didn’t complete the event but appreciated the opportunity and the support received. Hubbard’s participation sparked debate and brought attention to the specific rules trans athletes must follow to ensure fairness in sports.

A Complex Debate
The inclusion of trans athletes in sports is a complex and emotional issue. While some believe in creating inclusive spaces, others argue about fairness in competition. Trans athletes continue to compete in various sports, such as cycling and BMX, under strict guidelines meant to protect all participants. The debate shows no signs of ending soon.