The University of Nevada released a statement condemning the women's volleyball team for forfeiting a game against a team that included a transgender player.
In recent weeks, several schools have canceled games against San Jose State, whose roster includes transgender redshirt senior Blair Fleming.
Players of the Nevada women's volleyball team on Monday. Statement issued to OutKick announced their decision to forfeit the Oct. 26 game, overriding a previous decision from the university.
“Our University of Nevada, Reno women's volleyball team stands united with the Southern Utah University, Boise State University, University of Wyoming, and Utah State University volleyball teams following our loss to San Jose State University,” the statement said. , referring to other teams who forfeited games.
“We demand that our rights to on-court safety and fair competition be protected. We refuse to participate in any matches that promote injustice against female athletes.”
In response, the University of Nevada released a lengthy statement. told the outlet He said the players' decision “does not represent” the school's position and that it “intends” to proceed with the game.
“The players' decisions and statements were made independently, without consultation with the university or the athletic department, and the players' decisions do not represent the university's position,” the school said in a statement.
“The University and its athletic programs are governed by the Nevada Constitution and Nevada law, which provide strict protections for equality of rights under the law, and that equality of rights is not guaranteed by the State or its territories on the basis of race. shall not be denied or abridged by, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry or national origin.
“The University complies with federal law as well as NCAA and Mountain West Conference rules and regulations, which include providing competition in an inclusive and supportive environment. The University plans to proceed with games as scheduled. , a player may not participate in the game on that day. No player will be subject to team disciplinary action for the decision not to participate in the game.
The issue of transgender women in college athletics has become acute in recent years, ever since swimmer Leah Thomas set a record at the University of Pennsylvania after competing on the men's team for three years.
