Transphobia Sparks Forfeits, Safety Concerns in NCAA Volleyball

The San Jose State University volleyball team won its fourth match by forfeit amid outrage at a possible transgender athlete on the team. Of the Mountain West Conference, Utah State follows Wyoming State, Boise State, and Southern Utah State in forfeiting against SJSU. These forfeits and subsequent protests have raised the alarm for the team’s safety.

Controversy began when the SJSU volleyball co-captain Brooke Slusser joined a lawsuit against the NCAA’s policy to allow transgender women to compete in college women’s sports. The policy states that transwomen must undergo specific requirements, including multiple testosterone level tests during the season. This is also in line with the policies implemented by the International Olympic Committee, or IOC. The lawsuit claims that the inclusion of trans athletes is a violation of Title IX protections.

Slusser alleges that her transgender team member made her and others concerned for their safety. She alleges her teammate can hit harder than “any woman she’s ever seen,” calling it a physical risk. She also claims that SJSU has an unfair advantage against other teams. The Spartans are up 10-1, including the forfeited match against Boise State. It does not include the forfeits of the future matches against teams like Utah State. It is impossible to know if the stats would change if these teams did not back out.

The athlete’s identity has been speculated and published by far-right outlets, but OFM will refrain from sharing her identity. SJSU has refused to identify the student, and we will follow in this decision. According to KQED, spokesperson Michelle Smith McDonald confirmed that University police are providing security to the team for at home and away games.

Despite the forfeits, other colleges within the Mountain West Conference have confirmed they will compete against SJSU. Colorado Sate University played against SJSU Thursday night, where CSU won. 3-0 The University of Nevada and San Diego State confirmed they will compete against the team.

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