**Safety Concerns Force Boise State Women’s Volleyball to Forfeit Against Transgender Player**
In a controversial move highlighting the growing divide in collegiate athletics, Boise State University's women’s volleyball team has opted to forfeit their upcoming match against San Jose State University.
The decision comes on the heels of rising safety concerns related to the inclusion of transgender athlete Blaire Fleming, a 6-foot-1 male competitor who has been dominating the court with an undefeated season record of 10-0.
In compliance with Mountain West Conference policies, the match will be officially recorded as a loss for Boise State.
This move is not an isolated incident, as it reflects a wider concern among female athletes about competing against individuals who may possess significant physical advantages.
Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and advocate for women’s sports, voiced strong support for Boise State’s position, stating, “It’s encouraging to witness a growing number of institutions prioritizing fairness and athlete safety over forced inclusion.”
Gaines, currently working with the ICONS organization on a lawsuit against the NCAA regarding its transgender eligibility protocols, praised Boise State's decision.
Her sentiments echo the fears articulated by many female athletes and their supporters who contend that the current policies surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports often compromise safety and competitive fairness.
The ICONS organization had recently sent a letter to Mountain West Conference schools, detailing concerns expressed by distraught student-athletes, their families, coaches, and administrators regarding Fleming's participation.
This increasing momentum is prompting other institutions, like Southern Utah and the University of Wyoming, to reconsider their upcoming games against the San Jose State team featuring Fleming.
As the landscape of women’s sports continues to shift, advocates for female athletes are calling for heightened awareness and action to protect their rights and safety.
The actions taken by Boise State are a significant stand against the perceived compromise of fair competition in women's sports, signaling that the safety and integrity of female athletes must take precedence.
Sources:
outkick.comtheblaze.comtheepochtimes.com