SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) -- The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) could be the latest team to forfeit a women's volleyball match against San Jose State University. Since a lawsuit -- alleging SJSU's Blaire Fleming is transgender -- was filed in September, four SJSU opponents have chosen to forfeit their game.
The UNR Wolf Pack could be the latest to forfeit.
The Wolf Pack women's volleyball team notified the university that it was going to forfeit its Oct. 26 match against SJSU in Nevada. According to a UNR statement sent to KRON4, the players made the decision as a team without consultation with the school or athletic department.
Despite the players' decision, the university still plans to move forward with the match against the Spartans. It appears UNR is giving its players the freedom -- without penalty -- to decide whether or not they want to participate in that game.
The University and its athletic programs are governed by the Nevada Constitution and Nevada law, which strictly protect equality of rights under the law, and that equality of rights shall not be denied or abridged by this state or any of its subdivisions on account of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry or national origin. The University is also governed by federal law as well as the rules and regulations of the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, which include providing competition in an inclusive and supportive environment.
The University intends to move forward with the match as scheduled, and the players may choose not to participate in the match on the day of the contest. No players will be subject to any team disciplinary action for their decision not to participate in the match.
University of Nevada, Reno
It was not made clear how many of the women's Wolf Pack volleyball players are deciding to forgo the SJSU game. As of Monday, the game is scheduled for its original Oct. 26 date.
KRON4 reached out to SJSU for a statement in response to UNR's position. SJSU did not provide a full statement but said, "our student-athletes are in compliance with NCAA and Mountain West regulations."
SJSU said it has security assigned to the women's volleyball team at both home and away games.
Last month, Boise State forfeited its match against the Spartans. The Broncos' announcement came a few days after a lawsuit was filed, alleging one of SJSU's players, Fleming, is transgender.
Although Boise State didn't specifically cite the transgender allegation in its statement, Idaho Gov. Brad Little applauded the volleyball team's decision. Little said it was “working within the spirit” of an executive order he signed “defending women’s sports.”
“We need to ensure player safety for all of our female athletes and continue the fight for fairness in women’s sports,” Little said.
Read KRON4's initial story about Boise State's decision after a lawsuit that alleges Fleming is transgender here.