The Trump administration’s Department of Education has delivered a smackdown to San José State University (SJSU), finding it in blatant violation of Title IX for allowing male athlete Blaire Fleming to invade the women’s volleyball team from 2022 to 2024. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) ruled that SJSU’s radical policies denied female athletes equal opportunities by permitting a biological male to compete in women’s indoor and beach volleyball, access female-only facilities, and dominate competitions—endangering safety and fairness.
OCR’s probe exposed how SJSU allegedly hid Fleming’s sex from teammates, coaches, and opponents, forcing women to share locker rooms and hotel rooms with him. Female players endured spikes so forceful they knocked opponents down, sparking safety fears. In one season, seven all-women’s teams forfeited rather than face this injustice. Female teammate Brooke Slusser sued SJSU and the NCAA for concealment, while an assistant coach was suspended and ousted after a Title IX complaint.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said: “San José State University caused significant harm to female athletes by allowing a male to compete on the women’s volleyball team—and when female athletes spoke out, SJSU retaliated.” Assistant Secretary Kimberly Richey vowed: “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.”
To rectify, SJSU must adopt biology-based definitions of “male” and “female,” affirm sex is immutable, and issue public apologies to affected players—including those who boycotted. Noncompliance within 10 days triggers enforcement. SJSU meekly responded: “The University is in the process of reviewing the Department’s findings and proposed resolution agreement. We remain committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive educational environment for all students while complying with applicable laws and regulations.”
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