Transgender San José State Volleyball Player Can Compete, Judge Rules

A federal judge has ruled that a transgender San José State University volleyball player can continue to compete on the women’s team.

Background

The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), alleges that the NCAA’s policy of requiring transgender athletes to undergo hormone therapy to compete in women’s sports is discriminatory. The NCAA has argued that the policy is necessary to ensure fair competition.

Judge’s Ruling

In a 27-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila wrote that the NCAA’s policy “is not supported by the facts in the record” and “is not necessary to further legitimate interests of the NCAA.”

“The evidence in this case overwhelmingly shows that transgender people, including transgender women, face discrimination and significant barriers to participation in sports,” Davila wrote. “The NCAA’s policy perpetuates these barriers and does not serve a legitimate purpose.”

Reaction

The ACLU hailed the ruling as a victory for transgender athletes. “This is a huge win for fairness and equality,” said ACLU attorney Chase Strangio. “The NCAA’s discriminatory policy has no place in our society.”

The NCAA has said it is reviewing the ruling and has not yet decided whether to appeal.

Next Steps

The ruling is a significant step forward for transgender athletes, but it is not the final word on the issue. The NCAA could still appeal the ruling, and other courts could come to different conclusions.

However, the ruling is a clear indication that the courts are taking the issue of transgender athletes seriously and that the NCAA’s policy is facing growing legal challenges.