Education Department Finds SJSU Discussed Plot to Injure Player, Lawyers Cite 2022-24 Title IX Violations
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
Education Department Finds SJSU Discussed Plot to Injure Player, Lawyers Cite 2022-24 Title IX Violations
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
Summary
Federal findings obtained by Fox News Digital said it was “undisputed” that an SJSU trans player and another teammate discussed a plan to injure Brooke Slusser during a match, though whether it was carried out remains disputed.
The report also alleged SJSU recruited the player without disclosing birth sex to teammates, warned players they could lose scholarships if they spoke out, and told staff not to reveal the athlete was male.
Lawyers for Slusser and former assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose said the findings support their lawsuits, arguing SJSU and the California State University system violated Title IX, silenced dissent and retaliated against women who objected.
SJSU and CSU are separately suing the U.S. Department of Education over the 2025-26 investigation into the school’s handling of the volleyball program from 2022 to 2024.
A federal judge let key claims proceed in March, while deferring some Title IX issues until a U.S. Supreme Court ruling expected this month that could reshape national standards for transgender athletes.
With the Supreme Court ruling on trans athletes this month, what does the future hold for fairness in women's sports?
A federal probe alleges a university covered up a plot to injure an athlete. What does this scandal reveal about college sports?
Title IX Showdown: SJSU, CSU, and the Federal Government Clash Over Transgender Athlete Participation and $130 Million in Student Aid
Overview
The report details the escalating conflict between San José State University (SJSU) and the U.S. Department of Education after the Office for Civil Rights found SJSU in violation of Title IX for allowing a transgender athlete to compete on its women’s volleyball team. The Department issued a 10-day ultimatum, threatening to cut federal funding unless SJSU complied with new federal directives. SJSU rejected both the findings and a proposed resolution that required public statements about sex and apologies. This standoff highlights the clash between federal enforcement and the university’s commitment to inclusion, with significant legal and financial consequences at stake.