EQCA - Equality California

10/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 14:14

Statement Regarding Discrimination Against San Jose State University Athlete

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2024

CONTACT: Jorge Reyes Salinas, Equality California
PHONE: (213) 355-3057/MOBILE: (213) 355-3057/EMAIL:[email protected]

LOS ANGELES - Equality California released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang following a fourth college's refusal to play a scheduled volleyball match against San Jose State University simply for allowing a transgender athlete to play on the school's Women's Volleyball Team:

"School administrators' decision to bow to pressure from extremists instead of allowing their student-athletes to compete harms all students involved. They are teaching fear-mongering and discrimination instead of fostering the camaraderie and competition college athletics should be about.

Let's be clear - this isn't actually about sports; it is part of a coordinated nationwide attack on the LGBTQ+ community led by extremist right-wing politicians. Less than 2% of NCAA athletes identify as transgender or nonbinary, and the NCAA already has strong policies in place to ensure fairness while protecting these student-athletes. All trans athletes want to do is work hard and compete alongside their teammates - just like everyone else.

Equality California stands with San Jose State University and appreciates their strong support for their student athletes. All students deserve a safe and inclusive environment where they can thrive without fear or anxiety while being themselves"

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Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org