Trump Administration: SJSU Discriminated Against Women

The U.S. Education Department announced Wednesday that it has determined San Jose State University discriminated against women by allowing a transgender athlete to compete on the women’s volleyball team.

The department is offering the university a proposed resolution that would require San Jose State to adopt the administration’s definitions of “male” and “female,” restore titles and records that officials say were “misappropriated by male athletes,” and issue apologies to affected female athletes. University officials have not yet commented on the offer.

Under the proposed resolution, San Jose State would have to send personalized apologies to every woman who played on the indoor volleyball team from 2022 through 2024 and on the 2023 beach volleyball team, as well as to athletes who forfeited matches rather than compete against the transgender player.

The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to challenge policies that allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, a promise President Donald Trump made during his campaign. Should San Jose State reject the deal, it could face a lawsuit by the Justice Department and risk losing federal funding.

The investigation into San Jose State began in February, alongside a similar review of the University of Pennsylvania. Penn later agreed to a settlement that modified school records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and issued an apology to other team members.

San Jose State’s volleyball team has received national attention after nine players filed a lawsuit challenging league policies over transgender participation, citing fairness and safety concerns. Several opposing teams, including the University of Nevada, refused to play matches against San Jose State, resulting in forfeits.

Nevada’s women’s volleyball team stated in October 2024 that they were forfeiting a scheduled match in solidarity with teams from Southern Utah University, Boise State University, the University of Wyoming, and Utah State University.

“We demand that our right to safety and fair competition on the court be upheld,” the team said.

Meanwhile, UNR President Brian Sandoval continues to advocate for the inclusion of transgender athletes in collegiate women’s sports.