Since early 2026, San Jose State University (SJSU) has been embroiled in internal conflict following a 2024 volleyball controversy involving players Blaire Fleming and Brooke Slusser. The university has faced protests from pro-trans activists and assault allegations against its head volleyball coach.

On February 28, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced that SJSU was found in violation of Title IX after conducting a nearly year-long investigation into the volleyball controversy. In response, on March 6, SJSU and the entire California State University (CSU) system filed a lawsuit against the federal government to challenge the ED investigation and its findings.

Fox News Digital has reported on decades-old allegations against the volleyball coach overseeing the 2024 team, including a letter sent to SJSU in October 2024 by a former player alleging an attack in 1998.

The controversy has deeply divided the campus, with exclusive videos, documents, and emails revealing paralysis within the university. Pro-trans activists have organized meetings demanding support for transgender students, including a Town Hall with SJSU’s President and top administration. However, frustration was expressed over the administration’s absence at some events, with one attendee stating, "45 minutes. They handed over 45 minutes for this issue, 45 minutes. And they didn’t even give us 45. They gave us zero because two of these seats are f—ing empty right now. They didn’t even show up. Gave a bulls— email about two hours before the event started."

A federal judge has delayed a final ruling on the Title IX charges in a related lawsuit until after recent Supreme Court cases concerning transgender athletes in women's sports.

Sources

Notable Quotes

  • "Please come to a Town Hall with SJSU’s President and top administration, and tell them they must stand up for our transgender students."
  • "Teniente-Matson's absence at the meeting was a frequent point of outrage for multiple speakers."
  • "One person exclaimed. At one point in the meeting, a speaker declared,"
  • "45 minutes. They handed over 45 minutes for this issue, 45 minutes. And they didn’t even give us 45. They gave us zero because two of these seats are f—ing empty right now. They didn’t even show up. Gave a bulls— email about two hours before the event started."