Southern Utah University Sparks NATIONAL UPROAR Over California’s Transgender Player!

Southern Utah University (SUU) has found itself in the national spotlight after making a bold move that sparked a ripple effect in the world of college volleyball. It all started when SUU became the first team to refuse to play against San Jose State University, supposedly over the presence of Blaire Fleming, an alleged transgender athlete on the San Jose State roster. And while SUU hasn’t outright stated the reason behind their forfeit, many are connecting the dots.

WHO IS BLAIRE FLEMING?

Blaire Fleming, a redshirt senior at San Jose State, has been at the center of a heated debate. Standing 6'1", Fleming is a powerhouse on the court. But off the court, her presence has stirred controversy. It’s alleged that she’s a biological male, which has led to a class-action lawsuit accusing the NCAA of violating sex-based discrimination laws by allowing her to compete in women’s sports. Fleming transferred to San Jose State from Coastal Carolina, and has helped lead her team to an undefeated 10-0 season so far. While she’s dominating the court, the growing debate about her eligibility to play in women’s sports is overshadowing her performance.

SOUTHERN UTAH STARTS CHAIN REACTION:

Southern Utah’s decision to forfeit, earlier this month, set off a chain reaction. Boise State soon followed suit, and most recently, the University of Wyoming backed out of their match against San Jose State as well. None of the schools have directly said Fleming is the reason behind their decisions, but the timing speaks volumes.

In response to the situation, San Jose State released a statement, expressing disappointment that their athletes are being denied the chance to compete. "Our student athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules and regulations, deserve to play," the statement read. "We stand by our players and are committed to ensuring they compete in an inclusive, fair, safe, and respectful environment."

As the first school to draw the line, Southern Utah University has certainly stirred the pot in the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. And with more schools joining in, this conversation is far from over, especially for those of us watching from Southern Utah.

While this may anger some people, it's important to remember that regardless of Blaire's gender, they are still a person with feelings. If you feel the need to belittle someone, or bring someone down, DON'T. 

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