Exclusive: Since early 2026, San Jose State University (SJSU) has faced a wave of donors requesting to be removed from donation lists. This comes amidst a series of protests led by pro-transgender activists who voiced their demands in organized meetings directed at university administrators. Additionally, allegations against the head volleyball coach have emerged.
Fox News Digital has obtained exclusive videos and documents from verified independent sources, along with emails from public records requests. These reveal that the university is experiencing significant internal strife regarding a scandal linked to volleyball involving Blair Fleming and Brooke Slusser.
Inside the aftermath of the SJSU volleyball scandal: ‘This is clearly a problem’
SJSU and the California State University (CSU) system are currently suing the Trump administration to challenge the findings of a federal investigation, maintaining they acted in accordance with the law regarding the scandal.
This situation could set a precedent for how Title IX is enforced at public universities across the country.
Trans Town Hall
A town hall meeting took place on February 26 at the SJSU Engineering Building. An invitation obtained indicated it was titled “Transgender Rights Town Hall with SJSU Administration.” Discussions centered around SJSU’s response to the Trump administration’s findings.
Attendees were encouraged to voice their support for transgender students, and the registration form indicated the presence of SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. However, she did not attend, a fact documented in footage provided to Fox News Digital.
Only two administrators showed up. Emotional speeches from transgender activists filled the air, with one speaker expressing satisfaction about the meeting being recorded for Teniente-Matson’s review later. It was noted that clear directives were given to the administrators present, instructing them not to accept the resolution agreement.
One speaker passionately urged the administration to act decisively against what they termed as “violent transphobic demands,” asserting that human rights and racial discrimination issues should not be negotiable.
Notably, Teniente-Matson’s absence was often referenced with frustration.
“I heard from the administration, ‘We’re doing our best. We’re doing the best we can with the cards we’ve been given,'” another speaker rebutted. “But your best isn’t good enough. People are being harmed. People are scared.”
Days later, on March 6, SJSU and the CSU system announced they would be taking legal action against the federal government in response to the findings of the ED investigation.
Teniente-Matson stated in the lawsuit announcement that the university’s support for its LGBTQ community remains strong and acknowledged the challenges faced by those feeling threatened.
In public responses from faculty and staff, one professor acknowledged the pain of the students commenting, “Thank you for showing people how to fight with dignity.”
Another expressed concern over the university’s communication, suggesting it fell short of addressing women’s equity and privacy matters appropriately.
Notably, an email was sent from a donor just a month before the town hall, expressing a desire to withdraw support over the university’s handling of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
This donor’s email was provided to Fox News Digital through public records. They indicated their longstanding association with the Tower Foundation but expressed serious concerns about trans athletes competing in women’s categories.
SJSU reaffirmed its commitment to Title IX in a statement regarding the donor’s email.
On January 28, the ED announced violations of Title IX at SJSU but did not impose financial penalties. An internal email from risk management indicated the lack of fines but warned of potential legal claims stemming from earlier violations.
In the face of fallout
Recent reports have recounted longstanding allegations against the coach who led the 2024 volleyball team. A former Fairfield University player disclosed to SJSU allegations of assault dating back to 1998.
This player, speaking anonymously, stated, “I informed both Fairfield and SJSU of my encounter with Todd in 1998.” She expressed concern for current students and criticized the university’s decision to allow the coach to continue working.
In the aftermath of these allegations, SJSU faces scrutiny three years after the events linked to Fleming and his former living arrangements with a coach.
The alleged misconduct affecting players from the 2022 to 2024 seasons could be outlined in a forthcoming 45-page ED report if SJSU agrees to a resolution.
Meanwhile, Slusser and former associate head coach Melissa Batty-Smooth have initiated separate lawsuits against the university and the CSU system.
Oral arguments in Batty Smooth’s wrongful termination case are scheduled for August 21.
