A women’s volleyball team with a transgender player has advanced to the final of a championship tournament without playing a single match after their opponents refused to compete against them.
The San Jose State University Spartans progressed to the Mountain West Conference tournament final when Boise State University dropped out of Friday’s semi-final in protest over the inclusion of transgender player Blaire Fleming.
The controversy has already seen four other teams forfeit matches against the Spartans this season.
This marks the third time Boise State has refused to play against the Spartans this season, specifically protesting transgender women’s participation in biological women’s teams.
A women’s volleyball team with a transgender player has advanced to the final of a championship tournament without playing a single match after their opponents refused to compete against them
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A Boise State spokesman acknowledged the difficulty of their decision, calling for “a more thoughtful system to be put in place that serves all athletes.”
The team’s co-captain, Brooke Slusser, expressed concerns about advancing through boycotts, telling The New York Times: “It wouldn’t be fair to all the other teams.”
The controversy has sparked legal action, with a team-mate and former coach filing a lawsuit to prevent the Spartans from competing in the tournament.
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The San Jose State University Spartans progressed to the Mountain West Conference tournament final when Boise State University dropped out of Friday’s semi-final in protest over the involvement of Blaire Fleming
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The lawsuit claims Fleming’s inclusion violates Title XI rights, which prohibit sex-based discrimination in educational activities.
However, a Colorado judge ruled on Monday that Fleming should be allowed to continue playing.
The judge determined that the same law protecting against sex-based discrimination also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
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Wyoming, Utah State, Nevada and Southern Utah have all joined the boycott, refusing to play against the Spartans this season.
Nevada’s players took a strong stance, stating they ‘refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes.’
The Spartans, who accumulated six forfeit victories during the regular season, will now face either Colorado State or San Diego State in Saturday’s championship match.
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If they win or face another boycott, they will advance to next month’s 64-team national tournament.
San Jose State expressed disappointment with Boise State’s decision but remained focused on the championship match.
Blaire Fleming has been allowed to compete in women’s basketball despite being transgender
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“While we are disappointed in Boise State’s decision, our women’s volleyball team is preparing for Saturday’s match and looks forward to competing for a championship,” the university stated.
Boise State defended their withdrawal, saying: “Our team overcame forfeitures to earn a spot in the tournament field… They should not have to forgo this opportunity while waiting for a more thoughtful and better system that serves all athletes.”
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