Campus conflict exposed at the core of SJSU's messy fight vs Trump admin over volleyball scandal

Key Points:

• Since early 2026, San Jose State University (SJSU) has faced internal turmoil including a donor withdrawing support over transgender athlete policies, vocal protests by pro-trans activists, and assault allegations against its head volleyball coach linked to a 2024 scandal.
• SJSU and the California State University system are suing the Trump administration to contest a federal investigation's findings that SJSU violated Title IX, challenging the Education Department's resolution and potentially setting a precedent for Title IX enforcement nationwide.
• A February 2026 town hall intended to discuss transgender rights at SJSU saw no attendance from President Cynthia Teniente-Matson, sparking anger among activists who demanded stronger university action against what they perceive as discriminatory federal policies.
• The volleyball scandal involves allegations of misconduct by coach Todd Kress, including a 1998 assault claim from a former player, with ongoing lawsuits by former players Brooke Slusser and Melissa Batie-Smoose against the university related to Title IX violations and wrongful termination.
• Recent Supreme Court rulings affirming states' rights to exclude transgender girls from female sports teams may impact the legal proceedings involving Slusser's Title IX lawsuit, while SJSU continues to navigate legal and reputational challenges stemming from the scandal.