Education Department investigating schools with transgender athletes

• The U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into two major universities and a state athletic association over potential Title IX violations. The move comes following President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
• The investigations involve San Jose State University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.
• The Texas Attorney General is also probing Dallas and Irving school districts for allegedly advising how to bypass the state’s 2022 ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports.

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The U.S. Department of Education has initiated investigations into two major universities and a state athletic association following President Donald Trump’s recent executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

Investigations focus on Title IX violations

The investigations involve San Jose State University’s volleyball team, the University of Pennsylvania’s swimming program and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association for potential violations of Title IX.

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Trump’s executive order, signed Wednesday, Feb. 5, declared that allowing transgender students to participate in sports teams based on their gender identity rather than biological sex violates Title IX. The president warned that schools found to be in violation could face cuts to federal funding.

San Jose State University responds

San Jose State University released a statement in response to the investigation.

“We were notified that the U.S. Department of Education has initiated a directed investigation related to Title IX in light of President Trump’s Executive Order with respect to athletics participation,” a university spokesperson said. “As with any federal inquiry, we will fully engage with the process, follow established procedures, and remain transparent in our compliance with all applicable laws.”

The investigation into San Jose State University surrounds the participation of a transgender athlete on the women’s volleyball team. A lawsuit filed by other players claimed that allowing a transgender athlete to compete with women poses safety risks.

University of Pennsylvania under investigation

The University of Pennsylvania, a private institution, has not commented on the Department of Education’s inquiry. Reports indicate the investigation centers on Lia Thomas, a transgender woman who swam on the school’s women’s team and won a Division I title in 2022. Thomas’ last year with the University of Pennsylvania was 2022.

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association investigated

The Department of Education is also investigating the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association for allowing a transgender athlete to compete on a girls’ high school basketball team. The department claims that the athlete’s participation led to three injuries during one game, forcing the opposing team to forfeit.

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Texas Attorney General probes two school districts

As federal investigations into athletic programs begin, the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced state probes into two school districts, Dallas and Irving. The investigations are focused on claims that these districts advised on how to bypass the state’s ban on transgender athletes participating in girls’ sports. That ban took effect in 2022.

“Any attempt to circumvent the law will be rooted out,” Paxton said.

Dallas Independent School District (ISD) responded to the inquiry, saying it upholds all laws as required by the state.