Education Department Gives San Jose State 10 Days to Reverse Transgender Athlete Policy or Risk Federal Funds

The U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights has given San Jose State University 10 days to correct what it calls Title IX violations stemming from the school’s decision to allow a transgender athlete to compete on the women’s volleyball team, warning of legal action and possible loss of federal funding if the university does not comply. In a March 25 letter, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said the department had already outlined multiple options, including separating 'male' and 'female' athletes under the administration’s own definitions, and accused the school of choosing 'radical ideology over safety, dignity, and fairness.' The department previously concluded in January that San Jose State discriminated against women under Title IX by permitting the transgender athlete’s participation. The investigation was opened in February 2025 alongside one at the University of Pennsylvania, which later agreed to modify record books for a transgender swimmer and apologize to other team members under a similar deal. The ultimatum escalates the Trump administration’s broader campaign to end transgender participation in women’s sports and sets up a likely clash with California officials and civil-rights advocates who argue Title IX should protect, not exclude, transgender students.