Judge Affirms Transgender Player's Tournament Participation

Federal Judge S. Kato Crews has ruled that Blaire Fleming, a transgender woman, is eligible to continue playing for the San Jose State women's volleyball team in the Mountain West Conference tournament. The decision followed a lawsuit from 12 plaintiffs, including SJSU co-captain Brooke Slusser, who argued that Fleming's participation violated Title IX and posed safety concerns. Judge Crews determined that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate irreparable harm or a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims, noting their delay in filing the lawsuit weakened their case. The Mountain West's transgender policy has been in place since 2022, and despite backlash, including calls for a tournament boycott, San Jose State University supports the ruling and emphasizes its commitment to non-discrimination. The tournament is set to begin Wednesday, with San Jose State seeded second. An appeal has been filed in the 10th Circuit Court.