Boise State, Wyoming Forfeit Volleyball Matches Over Transgender Player on San Jose State Team

The controversy surrounding the inclusion of a transgender athlete on the San Jose State University (SJSU) women's volleyball team has escalated, leading multiple schools to forfeit matches rather than compete. Both Boise State University and the University of Wyoming recently announced they would forfeit games scheduled against San Jose State, citing concerns about fairness and player safety.

At the center of the issue is Blaire Fleming, a transgender woman and key player for SJSU’s undefeated team. Fleming’s presence on the team has sparked heated debates about fairness in women’s sports, with critics arguing that transgender athletes, particularly those born male, possess physical advantages over biological females. Fleming, standing at 6’1”, is reportedly one of the top players on the team and has led her squad in critical statistics throughout the season.

Boise State was the first to make headlines when it forfeited its September 28 match against SJSU. The move was applauded by conservative lawmakers, with Idaho Governor Brad Little referencing his state's Defending Women’s Sports Act and expressing support for Boise State’s decision. Little emphasized the importance of maintaining fairness and safety in female athletics, a sentiment echoed by many concerned parents and advocacy groups.

Following Boise State’s forfeit, the University of Wyoming joined the growing list of schools refusing to play against San Jose State. In a statement, Wyoming's athletic department explained that after extensive discussions with players and coaching staff, they decided to withdraw from the October 5 game. While no student-athletes expressed immediate concerns for their safety, the broader implications of allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports prompted the decision.

The Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), an advocacy group focused on protecting female athletes, played a significant role in pressuring Wyoming’s administration. ICONS had circulated letters to Mountain West Conference officials, arguing that including transgender women in female sports was a violation of Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education. They have been advocating for a reevaluation of current NCAA policies that allow transgender athletes to compete based on their gender identity rather than their biological sex.

SJSU, however, has maintained that it is fully compliant with NCAA regulations and Mountain West Conference policies. School officials expressed disappointment over the forfeitures, emphasizing that their athletes, including Fleming, adhere to the existing rules. Despite the growing controversy, SJSU continues to stand by its commitment to inclusivity and equality in sports.

Critics of the schools’ decisions argue that the forfeitures are a form of discrimination and unnecessary fearmongering. LGBTQ advocacy groups like Equality California have condemned the forfeits as damaging to both inclusivity and the spirit of competition. Tom Temprano, a spokesperson for the organization, criticized the schools for what he called a "disappointing display of fear-mongering" and suggested that the real safety concerns are being overlooked in favor of anti-trans rhetoric.

Fleming, who transferred to San Jose State after facing similar bans in South Carolina, has been a target of the ongoing lawsuits and political debates over transgender participation in women’s sports. Some of her teammates have voiced concerns, not only about her inclusion but also about the broader implications for the future of women’s sports. Co-captain Brooke Slusser joined a lawsuit against the NCAA, arguing that Fleming’s participation undermines the integrity of women’s athletics​.

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