Colorado School District Investigated Over Alleged Banning of Players Discussing Trans Athlete

Two Colorado high school volleyball players reportedly faced threats of being benched after discussing a transgender athlete within their program. The controversy has led to a Title IX investigation by the U.S. Department of Education into the Jefferson County Schools district.

A screenshot of an email, obtained by OutKick, indicates that Dakota Ridge High School's head volleyball coach informed a parent that their daughter would miss a match due to alleged bullying. The email stated the player used language toward teammates that could be characterized as bullying and fell short of the program's standards for character and respect.

According to a Title IX complaint filed by Tanna Donalson, whose daughter was cut from the program in August, two varsity players were told they would be benched for discussing the situation among friends. Donalson stated that after the players' parents met with the coach and athletic director, the girls were permitted to play on the condition that they cease discussing the issue. Lindsay Datko, founder of the parent advocacy group Jeffco Kids First, also reviewed emails showing the threatened discipline, though she noted the coach ultimately backed away from the benching.

In response to inquiries, the Jefferson County School District defended its policies, citing student privacy and commitment to a safe, inclusive environment for all students, including transgender individuals. The district stated it adheres to Colorado state law and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, ensuring equal access to educational programs and activities regardless of gender identity or expression. The statement also noted that under federal law (FERPA) and state privacy regulations, the district cannot confirm or deny specific student information.

Donalson's complaint also includes the roster decision that ended her 17-year-old daughter's junior-year season. Her daughter, who played for the program in her freshman and sophomore years, was cut after coaches encouraged her to learn a new position. The coach explained in an email that other athletes demonstrated more consistency in key areas, leading to the roster decision.

Separately, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights previously found in March that the district violated Title IX through its policies concerning girls' athletics and access to facilities. The district has since filed a lawsuit against the Education Department challenging these findings and arguing federal demands conflict with Colorado law.

Colorado voters are set to consider Proposition 134 in the upcoming election, a measure that would designate school-based teams by biological sex categories with specific eligibility rules. Donalson expressed that while she is not against the trans community, the situation has significantly impacted her daughter's dreams of playing college volleyball, creating difficulties in showcasing her skills to college coaches during her crucial junior year.