SJSU, CSU Sue Education Department Over Title IX Findings, Blocking Immediate Federal Funding Cuts
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 11
SJSU, CSU Sue Education Department Over Title IX Findings, Blocking Immediate Federal Funding Cuts
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 11
Summary
A court order bars the Education Department from cutting or disrupting federal funds to San Jose State or the CSU system while their lawsuit over Title IX findings proceeds.
Federal findings said SJSU chose not to suspend its men's volleyball head coach during the 2024 transgender controversy despite Title IX complaints, citing fears of more media attention and team disruption.
The same findings said a female assistant coach was suspended over an alleged FERPA violation while the male coach was not, even though investigators noted he also may have crossed FERPA lines in an ESPN interview.
The order requires joint status reports every 60 days and, if Washington moves to withhold funds, an expedited schedule that could bring briefing and a hearing within 45 days.
The dispute adds to broader litigation around SJSU's 2024 volleyball scandal, including former assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose's wrongful-termination case and player complaints over team safety.
With a university suing the government, who gets the final say on the rules for women's collegiate sports?
Are the safety and careers of female athletes being overlooked by universities amidst legal battles over transgender athletes?
As global sports bodies enact new rules, is a new standard emerging for transgender participation in women's sports?
Title IX on Trial: San José State, CSU, and the $130 Million Federal Funding Threat Over Transgender Athlete Inclusion
Overview
San José State University (SJSU) and the California State University (CSU) system are facing a major legal battle with the U.S. Department of Education after the Department’s Office for Civil Rights found SJSU violated Title IX by allowing transgender athlete Blaire Fleming to compete on its women’s volleyball team. This controversy began when an online article revealed a transgender player, leading to opponents forfeiting games and eventually ending Fleming’s college sports career. Now, the Department of Education is threatening to cut $130 million in federal funding, putting SJSU’s financial future and broader university policies at risk as the legal fight continues.