USU volleyball joins growing list forfeiting San Jose State University games over transgender controversy
Oct 3, 2024, 7:00 AM | Updated: 6:13 pm
The Glen L. Taggart Student Center at Utah State University on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
LOGAN, Utah — The Utah State University’s women’s volleyball team is forfeiting its match against San Jose State University. USU volleyball is now joining a list of growing teams foregoing playing the team that reportedly includes a transgender player.
USU released a statement about the cancellation, but the school didn’t say why it was forfeiting the Oct. 23 match.
“Utah State University will not participate in its scheduled October 23, 2024, volleyball match at San Jose State University,” the statement reads. “The University will abide by Mountain West Conference policy regarding how this match is recorded.”
Reaction to USU volleyball’s forfeit
On his X account this morning, Gov. Spencer Cox’s office shared his thoughts on the forfeit:
I stand with the students, coaches and leadership at @SUUtbirds and @USUAggies in their decision to forgo their women’s volleyball matches against San Jose State.
It is essential that we preserve a space for women to compete fairly and safely. Our female athletes are left…
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) October 3, 2024
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz also posted on social media today.
To the Utah State and Southern Utah Women Volleyball teams: We stand behind you and are cheering you on! Thank you for standing up for not only yourselves, but for women across the country – current and future generations!
It’s time for the NCAA to take action to protect our…
— Mike Schultz (@mschultz_12) October 3, 2024
San José State University shared its statement to KSL.
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. 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. — Michelle Smith McDonald, Senior Director of Media Relations for University Marketing and Communications at San José State University
This is the statement from Utah Pride Center.
The Utah Pride Center stands firmly by our mission to unite, empower, and celebrate Utah’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community. While we absolutely support and advocate for women’s sports and the incredible athletes who dedicate themselves to competition, we also believe that inclusion and equality are paramount in all areas of life—sports included.
We are disappointed by the recent decision of Utah State University to cancel their volleyball match with San Jose State due to the participation of a transgender woman athlete. We expect more out of our state’s institutions of higher learning, and consider positions like these uninformed and highly uneducated. Transgender athletes, like all athletes, deserve the right to compete in the sports they love, without fear of exclusion or discrimination. Trans women are women, and we support women having a safe and supportive experience on and off the court. — Chad Call, Executive Director of Utah Pride Center
Other forfeits against SJSU
Southern Utah University also forfeited its game last month. It was the first team to do so back on Sept. 14.
Later in September, two other women’s volleyball teams also forfeited their planned games against SJSU. Boise State and the University of Wyoming both released statements but did not give any reason for the forfeit.
“Boise State volleyball will not play its scheduled match at San José State on Saturday, Sept. 28,” reads a statement from Boise State’s website. “Per Mountain West Conference policy, the Conference will record the match as a forfeit and a loss for Boise State. The Broncos will next compete on Oct. 3 against Air Force.”
Gov. Brad Little, R-Idaho, posted to X saying he “applauded” Boise State’s decision.
I applaud @BoiseState for working within the spirit of my Executive Order, the Defending Women’s Sports Act. We need to ensure player safety for all of our female athletes and continue the fight for fairness in women’s sports. pic.twitter.com/5cKzzTvSbw
— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) September 27, 2024
Wyoming released a similar statement on its website, saying: “After a lengthy discussion, the University of Wyoming will not play its scheduled conference match against San José State University in the UniWyo Sports Complex on Saturday, Oct. 5. Per Mountain West Conference policy, the Conference will record the match as a forfeit and a loss for Wyoming. The Cowgirls will host Fresno State on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the UniWyo Sports Complex.”
Lawsuit over transgender athletes in women’s sports
ABC 7 San Francisco reports there is a lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s Title IX protections regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports.
SJSU volleyball’s co-captain Brooke Slusser joined that lawsuit. ABC 7 San Francisco reports Slusser claims she overheard a teammate saying she was transgender after a rumor. Slusser went on to allege there were concerns about whether it was safe or fair for her and her teammates, or their opponents, to share the court with a transgender athlete.
Keep reading
- University of Utah researchers develop chatbot to expand genetic testing care
- Rep. Owens chairs hearing on “botched” FAFSA rollout
- Report: Utah State Aggies Expected To Accept Pac-12 Conference Offer
- New Bees stadium on track to open for first home game
- Big movement for BYU, Utah in the Top 25 for the Big 12 Conference
