Investigation Focus: Trump Administration Probes Title IX Violations at SJSU, UPenn Following Trans Athlete Controversies

Investigation Focus: Trump Administration Probes Title IX Violations at SJSU, UPenn Following Trans Athlete Controversies

EXCLUSIVE: The Trump Administration’s Department of Education (DOE) has initiated investigations into potential Title IX violations across several educational institutions, just hours after the President signed an executive order aimed at banning trans athletes from women’s sports.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the Department will scrutinize San Jose State University (SJSU), the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) for distinct incidents involving trans athletes competing on women’s sports teams.

“In line with President Trump’s ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’ Executive Order, the U.S. Department of Education has announced investigations following reports of Title IX violations at these institutions,” the DOE stated in a release provided to Fox News Digital.

“This administration stands firm in its commitment to female athletes, ensuring their rights are upheld and protected,” it continued.

The cases at both SJSU and UPenn have sparked significant public controversy, leading to multiple lawsuits. At UPenn, transgender swimmer Lia Thomas made headlines for competing on the women’s swim team after previously being on the men’s team, where she went on to break several women’s records and excel at the 2022 Ivy League and NCAA championships.

Former swimmer Paula Scanlan, who was compelled to share a locker room with Thomas, expressed gratitude to the DOE for its investigation regarding Title IX violations. “I’m thankful the Department of Education is taking these issues seriously,” Scanlan said. “As someone who competed against a male athlete, I hope for accountability from the institutions involved.”

Three other former UPenn swimmers have also filed a lawsuit, claiming that they were misled about the locker room arrangements involving Thomas. They argue that the university’s administration imposed pro-trans ideology during Thomas’s acceptance on the team and labeled their concerns as psychological issues.

The lawsuit highlights remarks from UPenn administrators, prompting concerns that women’s fears about transitioning athletes stemmed from a “psychological problem,” suggesting that such women should seek counseling and support.

Controversy at San Jose State

Meanwhile, the situation at San Jose State involves transgender volleyball player Blaire Fleming, who played with distinction on the women’s team but allegedly had her birth sex concealed from other players. A lawsuit filed by several Mountain West volleyball players claims that Fleming’s eligibility was mismanaged by SJSU officials, leading to an environment where female players felt uncomfortable.

Claims made by former Spartans co-captain Brooke Slusser allege that SJSU administrators, including the volleyball coach, failed to disclose Fleming’s birth sex while having Slusser share accommodations with the trans athlete during travel. This led to a troubling atmosphere within the team.

Significantly, Slusser’s lawsuit also asserts that Fleming engaged in inappropriate conduct, including involving an opponent in an act of aggression during a match.

MIAA Investigations

In a separate event involving the MIAA this past February, a trans athlete from the KIPP Academy Lynn girls’ basketball team caused significant injury to female players from the Collegiate Charter School of Lowell, leading to a game forfeit at halftime for the safety of the student-athletes.

The MIAA maintains a policy that students cannot be excluded from gender-specific teams if participation aligns with their bona fide gender identity. This policy, however, is now under review.

A Broader Review of Title IX Protections

The investigations into these three institutions mark a distinct shift in the enforcement of Title IX protections. The DOE has recently reaffirmed its commitment to uphold Title IX, emphasizing biological sex as a crucial factor in evaluating athletic participation.

Sources indicate that the OCR will actively assess a range of schools to ensure their policies align with Title IX’s provisions safeguarding female athletes. Last week, K-12 schools and higher education institutions were notified of the DOE’s renewed emphasis on these protections.

NCAA President Charlie Baker has already indicated that the organization would comply with Trump’s executive order by reviewing and aligning their policies accordingly.

Looking Ahead: Ensuring Equity in Sports

The unfolding investigations and lawsuits point to a critical examination of how gender identity intersects with athletic participation. As the DOE scrutinizes SJSU, UPenn, and the MIAA, the ultimate goal remains clear: to protect the rights of female athletes and ensure fair competition across all levels of sports.

As this story develops, the implications for female athletics may shape future policies at educational institutions nationwide. How these investigations conclude will serve as a benchmark for Title IX’s enforcement in an evolving landscape of gender and sports.