Utah State was scheduled to play a volleyball match against San Jose State. However, Utah chose to withdraw because the opposing team included a trans athlete.
Trans Althete Sparks Debate
In the past few years, trans athletes have sparked debate and created a lot of discussions among the public. Many people advocate for "equality," while others argue that a trans athlete might have a physical advantage over the opposite sex. This has led to extensive discussions about the 2024 Olympics, resulting in some individuals boycotting this long-standing international event. At the same time, several universities in the U.S. have chosen to withdraw from sports competitions this year due to a trans athlete participating at San Jose University.
4 Universities Have Forfeited
Among the four universities, Utah State is the latest to reveal its choice to forfeit the game against San Jose State. Earlier this week, the university made a statement declaring that it would not participate in the match scheduled for October 23.
Trans Athlete Prompts A Cancellation
Curiously, none of the universities have clearly detailed how their choice to forfeit is linked to the presence of a trans athlete on the opposing team. However, the University of Wyoming, which is also one of the four schools that forfeited, mentioned they reached a similar decision "after a lengthy discussion." At the same time, Utah University issued a statement indicating they would "abide by Mountain West Conference policy regarding how this match is recorded."
A Spokesperson Comments On the Trans Athlete
A spokesperson for San Jose State, Michelle Smith McDonald, who is the senior director of media relations, stated that the university cannot address "the gender identity of any student" due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
"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," she said in an emailed statement. "We are committed to supporting our student-athletes through these challenges and in their ability to compete in an inclusive, fair, safe, and respectful environment."
Speculation Sparked The Controversy
The universities started this trend earlier this year after speculation arose from a conservative website. This site interviewed an anonymous parent at San Jose State, who alleged there were "rumors" about a trans athlete.
A Lawsuit against The NCAA
At present, the NCAA is dealing with a lawsuit brought by several female athletes for "violating Title IX." Among the plaintiffs are Riley Gaines and Brooke Slusser. Slusser joined the lawsuit towards the end of 2023 and stated in her claim that the trans athlete in question informed her directly that they were a trans athlete. Additionally, Slusser declined to use the trans athlete's preferred pronouns.
In the lawsuit, Slusser asserts that she experienced "physical and emotional injuries, embarrassment, humiliation, emotional distress, mental anguish and suffering" from being part of a team with a trans student.
So far, the NCAA has upheld Title IX, making "unprecedented investments in women's sports to ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships."
Trans Athlete Student Rights
[embedded content]
The university's choice to forfeit raises another concern: privacy rights. Although the trans athlete's gender identity hasn't been verified, the information has circulated without her consent. "Let's be clear — this isn't actually about sports; it is part of a coordinated nationwide attack on the LGBTQ+ community led by extremist right-wing politicians," Tony Hoang explained in a statement on Thursday. Hoang, the executive director of Equality California, emphasizes that these forfeitures "are harming all students involved."
Making History
The debate over trans athletes competing began a few years ago, and in 2021, Laurel Hubbard made history as the first trans athlete to compete in the Olympics. The New Zealand native took part in a weightlifting event.
"My performance wasn't what I had hoped, but I'm humbled by the support I've received from so many people around New Zealand," Hubbard stated. "I am aware that my participation has been controversial. Thank you to the IOC for living up to the Olympic values and showing that sport is for all and that weightlifting can be done by all types of people."
Even though she ultimately "did not finish," Hubbard ignited a conversation that has been ongoing for years. Opinions on trans athletes are deeply divided, but the situation is much more complicated than it seems. For example, trans athletes must follow specific and unique rules designed to ensure the safety of their opponents. This year, several sports, including cycling and BMX, featured trans athletes.
