Federal investigation finds San Jose State violated Title IX by allowing trans athlete to compete
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- San Jose State University is back in the spotlight over the controversy involving a transgender athlete.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Education said the school violated Title IX by allowing a transgender athlete to compete on its women's volleyball team from 2022 to 2024.
Jorge Reyes-Salinas with Equality California says this conflicts with state laws.
RELATED: SJSU target of Title IX investigation amid Trump's crackdown on transgender athletes
"California law clearly protects transgender students from discrimination, including school athletics. Public universities in California are required to follow state civil rights laws, and San Jose State is doing exactly that and hopefully continue to do so," Reyes Salinas said.
A federal investigation into the university was launched a year ago after Pres. Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening to cut off funding from schools over policies on trans athletes.
"This is another attempt to use threats and their own executive orders to benefit the investigation they were running," Reyes Salinas said.
In a press release, the Department of Education said: "SJSU caused significant harm to female athletes by allowing a male to compete on the women's volleyball team-creating unfairness in competition, compromising safety, and denying women equal opportunities in athletics, including scholarships and playing time."
RELATED: Judge hears lawsuit over SJSU trans athlete claims ahead of Mountain West tournament
The university now has 10 days to comply with a handful of demands, including apologizing to players and acknowledging that "the sex of a human male or female is unchangeable."
"I think San Jose State has some apologies to issue and maybe some warnings that they need to heed going forward," said Alexandra Macedo, District 33 assemblymember. "California can think they're immune all they want to this, but they better be willing to bring their check books if they aren't willing to comply with federal law."
San Jose State University said in a statement it is "in the process of reviewing the Department's findings and proposed resolution."
