USU is trying to reverse its forfeited volleyball match loss to San Jose State

On November 20, 2024By Pranco

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – Just a few hours later Utah lawmakers urged Utah State University to do so To join a Title IX lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference, the Logan-based school filed a motion to join the lawsuit — at least in part.

According to court documents, USU joined the lawsuit as a “intervener plaintiff” on Monday, November 18, becoming the first organization to join the lawsuit, as all other plaintiffs are individuals, primarily student-athletes.

In joining the lawsuit over the Mountain West Conference’s transgender participation policy, USU said it is seeking to undo the loss suffered by the women’s volleyball team after the team suffered. declined to play against San Jose State University in October. The decision to cancel the game came because the gender of an SJSU player was questioned. The player in question has not publicly identified himself as transgender.

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Through its motion to intervene, USU said its chances of appearing in the NCAA Tournament and claiming a No. 1 Seed were harmed by labeling the canceled match a loss instead of a ‘no contest’ .

“The loss of an opportunity to win a championship and play in the NCAA tournament harms USU’s program by reducing the opportunities for competition and competitive success, including the opportunity for the USU volleyball program to compete on a national stage to play,” the motion continues.

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USU is also asking the Court to prevent the Mountain West Conference from enforcing its Transgender Protection Policy provisions during the upcoming NCAA tournament.

On Monday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz had called on Utah State University to intervene in the lawsuit. In a joint statement, Utah lawmakers said that by acting, Utah would send “a clear message.”

“Female athletes deserve the right to a safe playing field, fair competition and equal opportunity,” the statement reads in part. “The NCAA Mountain West Conference and other institutions across the country have failed to take action, undermining vital protections and putting female athletes at risk. We will continue to defend our female athletes.”

ABC4 previously reached out to both Utah State University and the Mountain West Conference for comment and has not heard back. However, in a statement made to ESPN earlier this monthsaid the Mountain West Conference prioritizes the interests of its student-athletes and takes great care to comply with NCAA and Mountain West policies.

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