A transgender volleyball player at San Jose State University (SJSU) has become the center of controversy, prompting a civil rights complaint and legal action from organizations and athletes advocating for the integrity of women’s sports.
Blaire Fleming, a 6-foot-1 redshirt senior, has contributed significantly to SJSU’s undefeated season in Division I volleyball, but her presence on the women’s team has raised concerns about fairness and safety from certain groups.
Concerned Women for America (CWA), an advocacy group, is leading efforts to protect “the integrity of women’s sports.” Macy Petty, an NCAA volleyball athlete and legislative assistant at CWA, spoke out about the lack of transparency surrounding Fleming’s inclusion on the team.
“Female athletes were blindsided, showing up to the court only to realize there was a male athlete on the opposing team,” Petty told Fox News Digital.
CWA has filed a federal civil rights complaint, accusing SJSU of discrimination against female athletes by allowing Fleming to occupy a roster spot and scholarship intended for women. The complaint argues that the NCAA’s policies on transgender athletes have created an unsafe environment for cisgender female players. Petty emphasized that schools and players were not adequately informed about competing against a transgender athlete.
“There’s no informed consent for the schools or the female athletes,” she said.
The controversy has led to notable reactions from other universities. Boise State University and the University of Wyoming both forfeited scheduled matches against SJSU, citing concerns over player safety and fairness. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon expressed his support for the decision, stating that protecting female athletes and ensuring fairness in sports is paramount.
CWA also sent letters to schools competing against SJSU, raising awareness about the presence of a transgender athlete and asking whether they would compromise their athletes’ safety. Colorado State University responded by confirming it would proceed with its match against SJSU, though CWA remains hopeful the school will reconsider.
The issue has also reached the courtroom. Brooke Slusser, an SJSU volleyball player, has joined a lawsuit against the NCAA, spearheaded by former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines. The lawsuit claims that the inclusion of transgender athletes violates Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Slusser alleged that she was not informed of Fleming’s gender identity when they roomed together on road trips, and she expressed concern about the speed and strength of Fleming’s spikes, which were faster than she had ever experienced in women’s volleyball.
In response to the growing criticism, Wyoming Equality, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, condemned the forfeitures as politically motivated, emphasizing that athletics should focus on fair competition rather than exclusion.
“Every athlete, including transgender athletes, deserves the opportunity to compete,” said Wyoming Equality spokesperson Santi Murillo.
With input from FOX News, Wyo File, and Wyoming Athletics.
