SJSU's Brooke Slusser Joins Lawsuit Against NCAA Over Title IX

In the United States, Brooke Slusser, a co-captain of the San Jose State University (SJSU) women's volleyball team, has joined a lawsuit against the NCAA, citing violations of Title IX. This legal action comes as a response to the inclusion of Blaire Fleming, a trans-identifying male, on the women's team, which has created significant discomfort among female athletes. Slusser expressed that the dynamics within the team have become 'awkward' since the lawsuit was filed, highlighting the emotional toll on her and her teammates. Slusser revealed that the school had kept Fleming's gender identity hidden for nearly two years, leading to feelings of betrayal among the female athletes. New recruits, unaware of the situation, felt misled and trapped in their decisions to join the team. Slusser emphasized that the issue extends beyond her personal feelings, as it affects future generations of female athletes. Despite the pressure to boycott playing alongside Fleming, Slusser is committed to advocating for the rights of female athletes. She articulated her concerns about the implications of competing against a male player, particularly if she were to have daughters in the future. The lawsuit aims to protect not only the current athletes but also future generations of girls in sports. The SJSU volleyball team has had a remarkable season, starting with a 10-0 record, but the controversy surrounding Fleming's participation has overshadowed their achievements. Slusser's actions reflect a growing movement among female athletes to address the complexities of gender identity in sports.