A U.S. Department of Education investigation found that San Jose State University (SJSU) did not suspend its head volleyball coach amid Title IX complaints related to a transgender athlete. The investigation, which SJSU provided in response to a public records request, indicated that the university considered the potential media attention from suspending the coach and its impact on the team. The coach, referred to as 'Coach 2' in the findings, is believed to be Todd Kress, while the assistant coach involved, who faced penalties, is thought to be Melissa Batie-Smoose. Batie-Smoose's attorney has denied allegations that she violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) when discussing a trans athlete's birth sex. The findings also noted that both coaches had Title IX complaints filed against them, but only Batie-Smoose was penalized. SJSU and the California State University system have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education to contest the findings. The investigation's findings will not affect SJSU's eligibility for federal funds until further court proceedings are completed.
Why this rating? · 9 signals
Signals flagged in the original
- loaded language: 'trans scandal'
- loaded language: 'preferential treatment'
- loaded language: 'protect the male player'
- loaded language: 'trashed a student'
- loaded language: 'borderline ignored'
- framing: EXCLUSIVE
- framing: SJSU didn't penalize volleyball coach during trans scandal amid Title IX complaints, federal findings allege
- editorializing: Fox News Digital reasonably believes the figure titled 'Coach 2' in the findings to be current SJSU volleyball head coach Todd Kress
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SJSU Allegedly Did Not Suspend Volleyball Coach During Title IX Investigation
The U.S. Department of Education's investigation into San Jose State University revealed that the university did not suspend its head volleyball coach during a Title IX investigation concerning a transgender athlete. The findings suggest that the decision was influenced by concerns over media attention. SJSU is contesting these findings through a lawsuit.
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Bias Analysis
Bias Indicators Removed
- ✕ loaded language: 'trans scandal'
- ✕ loaded language: 'preferential treatment'
- ✕ loaded language: 'protect the male player'
- ✕ loaded language: 'trashed a student'
- ✕ loaded language: 'borderline ignored'
- ✕ framing: EXCLUSIVE
- ✕ framing: SJSU didn't penalize volleyball coach during trans scandal amid Title IX complaints, federal findings allege
- ✕ editorializing: Fox News Digital reasonably believes the figure titled 'Coach 2' in the findings to be current SJSU volleyball head coach Todd Kress
- ✕ vague attribution: findings suggest, Fox News Digital reasonably believes, alleged observation
Original vs. Neutral
SJSU didn't penalize volleyball coach during trans scandal amid Title IX complaints, federal findings allege
SJSU Allegedly Did Not Suspend Volleyball Coach During Title IX Investigation