San Jose State University allegedly chose not to suspend its head volleyball coach during a controversial 2024 season involving a transgender athlete, despite facing Title IX complaints, according to findings from a U.S. Department of Education investigation. Federal investigators determined the institution appeared to prioritize avoiding media attention over enforcing consistent disciplinary standards. The investigation revealed internal communications suggesting university leadership, including the president, deliberately avoided taking action against the coach to prevent disrupting the team and generating additional public scrutiny.
The findings, obtained through public records requests, indicate the school treated its male head coach and female assistant coach differently when both faced similar allegations. While the head coach continued in his position throughout the season, the assistant coach was suspended and ultimately not renewed for the following year. Federal investigators identified this disparity as potential evidence of discriminatory treatment based on gender, raising serious questions about the university’s commitment to equal enforcement of its policies.
University prioritized media concerns over policy enforcement
Internal documents reviewed by federal investigators revealed explicit discussions about potential media fallout influencing disciplinary decisions. Notes from university officials stated concerns that suspending the head coach “could spark more media attention,” according to the investigation findings. University records indicate administrators, including the institution’s president, agreed to avoid suspending the coach specifically because they believed his absence would “unduly disrupt the team.” The investigation found this reasoning reflected improper considerations that potentially violated Title IX requirements for equitable treatment of employees regardless of gender.
Former assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose, who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the university, addressed the findings directly. She stated university officials consistently prioritized protecting the transgender player and minimizing public attention throughout their decision-making process. Batie-Smoose characterized the institution’s approach as deliberately seeking “the least amount of attention” on the situation, attempting to make the controversy “go away” rather than addressing underlying policy and safety concerns raised by coaching staff and players.
Assistant coach suspended for alleged privacy violation while head coach faced no penalty
Both coaches had Title IX complaints filed against them during the 2024 indoor volleyball season relating to alleged policy violations and employee conduct issues. However, only the female assistant coach faced immediate suspension while the male head coach continued his duties without interruption. The university justified suspending Batie-Smoose by claiming she violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act by publicly discussing a student athlete’s biological sex. Her attorney vehemently denies any FERPA violation occurred and maintains the suspension was pretextual retaliation for raising safety and fairness concerns.
Federal investigators discovered the head coach also allegedly crossed privacy boundaries during a media interview. Investigation notes specifically stated the head coach “crossed the FERPA line in his interview” with a national sports network, yet faced no disciplinary consequences. The contrast in treatment became a central focus of the federal probe. Investigators noted that a woman was immediately suspended for alleged privacy violations while a man facing similar allegations continued working without penalty, suggesting potential gender-based discrimination in enforcement.
Players rallied around suspended assistant coach amid safety concerns
Documents obtained during the investigation included observations from the university’s Title IX coordinator describing the team dynamic following the assistant coach’s suspension. An email dated October 17, 2024, noted that players had “rallied around” specific individuals while the head coach was being “borderline ignored or not even acknowledged” by team members. This observation suggested significant internal team conflict and lack of confidence in university leadership decisions. The coordinator’s notes indicated players perceived the suspension as unjust and responded by distancing themselves from the head coach who remained in his position.
Batie-Smoose expressed concern that her removal left players without an advocate for their safety and best interests. She stated players now have “nobody looking out for their best interest” following her departure from the program. Former team co-captain Brooke Slusser, who leads a lawsuit over her experience on the team with the male athlete, previously stated that Batie-Smoose’s release caused feelings of fear among teammates. Players reportedly believed the assistant coach had been their primary advocate for addressing concerns about competitive fairness and physical safety when competing against a biologically male athlete.
Federal investigation found university refused to provide requested information
The Department of Education investigation determined the university failed to cooperate fully with federal requests for information necessary to make informed determinations about potential Title IX violations. Despite having “ample opportunity” to provide requested documentation and records, the institution refused to supply all materials sought by investigators. This lack of cooperation hindered the federal government’s ability to thoroughly assess whether the university violated federal anti-discrimination laws through its disparate treatment of coaching staff members facing similar allegations.
- Both coaches faced Title IX complaints during the 2024 season involving alleged policy violations
- Only the female assistant coach was suspended while the male head coach continued working
- University records showed concerns about media attention influenced disciplinary decisions
- Federal investigators found the institution refused to provide all requested documentation
- Internal emails revealed players distanced themselves from the head coach following the assistant’s suspension
The findings represent preliminary determinations by federal investigators who requested additional information to complete their assessment. The investigation specifically examined whether the university violated Title IX’s prohibition against sex-based discrimination in employment decisions. Investigators focused on the disparate treatment of similarly situated employees and whether gender played an improper role in determining which coach faced suspension and which continued working throughout the controversial season.
University and state system filed lawsuit challenging federal findings
San Jose State University and the California State University system responded to the investigation by filing a lawsuit against the Department of Education to challenge the findings and prevent potential funding consequences. A court order currently prevents any immediate federal funding cuts to either institution while establishing an expedited legal process if the government decides to withhold financial support. The order requires both parties to file joint status reports every 60 days until federal officials decide whether to take action regarding funding or other penalties.
If the Department of Education chooses to withhold funds or take related enforcement action, the parties must submit a proposed expedited briefing and hearing schedule within two business days. The established process is designed to allow the university system to file motions and complete briefing and hearings within 45 days of any government decision to impose penalties. Until that process occurs, the federal findings will have no effect on either institution’s eligibility for federal funding, and the Department of Education may not disrupt financial support for at least 30 days following any court hearing on the matter.
