The Trump administration has formally concluded that San Jose State University violated federal law by permitting a transgender athlete to compete on its women's volleyball team, according to an announcement from the US Education Department on Wednesday.
Resolution Deal Demands Policy Overhaul
Department officials have presented the California-based university with a resolution agreement that would require significant changes to its athletic policies. Under the proposed terms, San Jose State would need to adopt the administration's definitions of "male" and "female" for athletic participation purposes.
The university would also be compelled to reinstate titles and records that officials claim were "misappropriated by male athletes" and issue formal apologies to affected female athletes. University administrators have not yet commented publicly on the proposed agreement or the department's findings.
Broader Campaign Against Transgender Athletes
This action represents part of a wider initiative by the Trump administration targeting states, schools, and colleges that allow transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to end such policies nationwide.
Should San Jose State reject the proposed settlement, the institution could face legal action from the Justice Department and potentially lose crucial federal funding that supports various university programs and student financial aid.
Title IX Violations Alleged
Education Department officials assert that San Jose State violated Title IX, the landmark 1972 gender equity law, by allowing a transgender athlete on the team. They further allege the university retaliated against players who voiced opposition to this decision.
Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights at the Education Department, stated emphatically: "We will not relent until SJSU is held to account for these abuses and commits to upholding Title IX to protect future athletes from the same indignities."
Parallel Investigation at University of Pennsylvania
The investigation into San Jose State commenced in February, running concurrently with a similar inquiry at the University of Pennsylvania. Penn subsequently agreed to a comparable resolution deal that involved modifying school records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and apologising to other members of the swim team.
Volleyball Team Controversy and Lawsuits
San Jose State's volleyball team previously garnered national attention after nine players filed a lawsuit challenging the league's policies on transgender athlete participation. The players argued the policy was unfair and posed safety risks during competition.
Several opposing teams reportedly refused to play against San Jose State, resulting in match forfeitures. The university has not publicly confirmed the presence of a transgender player on its volleyball team, maintaining silence on the specific allegations.
Apology Requirements in Proposed Agreement
As part of the administration's proposed resolution, San Jose State would be compelled to send personalised apology letters to every woman who played on the women's indoor volleyball team from 2022 through 2024, members of the 2023 beach volleyball team, and any woman who forfeited a match rather than compete against San Jose State.
The controversy highlights ongoing national debates about transgender participation in sports, with significant implications for educational institutions, athletic policies, and civil rights enforcement across the United States.
