Concerned Women of America (CWA) is spearheading efforts to protect women’s sports integrity after a transgender athlete was identified on the San Jose State University women’s volleyball team. Blaire Fleming, a 6-foot-1 player, has helped SJSU’s Division I volleyball team maintain an undefeated season. Macy Petty, a legislative assistant at CWA and former NCAA volleyball athlete, emphasized the need to safeguard the safety and dignity of female athletes. Petty shared how athletes have been blindsided by the presence of transgender players on opposing teams, calling for informed consent and proactive measures from schools to prevent further harm.
Female athletes have faced the dilemma of playing alongside male competitors in collegiate sports without prior knowledge or consent. Petty highlighted the lack of information provided by the NCAA to teams regarding transgender players, leaving female athletes feeling cheated and compromised in their competitive environment. Concerns around compromising female athletes’ safety and dignity have prompted CWA to take action, filing a federal civil rights complaint alleging female discrimination and addressing the impact of transgender players in sports. The organization has also reached out to schools competing against SJSU to raise awareness about transgender athlete participation and its implications for female athletes.
In response to the controversy, several schools, including Boise State University and the University of Wyoming, have forfeited upcoming matches against SJSU. This decision reflects a commitment to uphold women’s sports fairness and player safety, in line with executive orders signed by Idaho Gov. Brad Little. The move also aligns with the concerns raised by CWA regarding male athletes competing alongside female teams without proper disclosure or consent, prompting a reevaluation of game participation to protect female athletes’ well-being and integrity.
The impact of transgender players on female sports has sparked further legal action, with a lawsuit filed in Georgia against the NCAA. Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines and SJSU volleyball player Brooke Slusser are among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, alleging that SJSU allowed a transgender athlete to participate in women’s sports without informing the team. Slusser described learning about her teammate’s transgender identity during a road trip, raising concerns about potential injuries and violations of bodily privacy. The lawsuit highlights the impact of NCAA transgender eligibility policies on female athletes and calls for accountability in safeguarding their well-being.
Slusser’s decision to join the lawsuit reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by female athletes in the presence of transgender players, despite potential backlash or hesitation to discuss the issue openly. The widespread support for efforts to protect the integrity of women’s sports and ensure fairness for female athletes underscores the significance of addressing the impact of transgender inclusion on competitive environments. With ongoing legal action and advocacy efforts from organizations like CWA, the conversation around transgender participation in women’s sports continues to evolve, highlighting the need for transparency, consent, and proactive measures to uphold the safety and dignity of female athletes.
