In a controversial season for San Jose State University’s (SJSU) women’s volleyball team due to an alleged transgender player, Blaire Fleming, an emergency hearing was held in Colorado Thursday in regards to a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference.
School officials say Fleming meets all eligibility requirements.
SJSU’s co-captain Brooke Slusser initiated the suit and is challenging the policy, which allows transgender athletes to play volleyball. Slusser claims their Title IX and First Amendments rights are being violated and she doesn’t want any women to have to deal with this issue in the future.
The lawsuit is against the Mountain West Conference and SJSU.
Bill Bock, the plaintiff’s lawyer claims that there’s an 82% higher impact when a male player hits a volleyball. Bock also claims policies protecting trans athletes are harmful, unsafe and unfair to women. Boise State, Utah State University, University of Wyoming and Nevada have all opted to forfeit scheduled games with SJSU. “The forfeiting team will be charged with a loss and the opposing team credited with a win.” Players from forfeiting teams are claiming their refusal to play against SJSU is negatively impacting their ranking and is amounting to a suppression of free speech.
Twenty-four states have signed onto the Supreme Court brief including AL, AK, AR, FL, GA, IA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, OK, SC, SD, TN TX, UT, VA and WY. The legal brief is arguing the safety and fairness of women.
Melissa Batie-Smoose, SJSU associate head coach was suspended for speaking up and taking the side of her players.
Many players are also worried about their playing time and losing their scholarships if they speak up.
By - FZ
Comments