Parents of Former SJSU Volleyball Player Respond to Title IX Violations

The parents of Brooke Slusser, a former co-captain of the San Jose State University volleyball team, have shared their first public comments following the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) finding that the university violated Title IX during her time there. Slusser has been a key figure in the controversy surrounding the university and a trans athlete, Blair Fleming.

In her lawsuit against SJSU and representatives from the Mountain West Conference, Slusser alleges she was compelled to share facilities with Fleming without prior knowledge of his biological sex. The ED’s investigation revealed that the transgender athlete was involved in a controversial incident where he allegedly conspired with an opposing player to injure an SJSU teammate.

Paul and Kim Slusser issued a joint statement addressing the ED’s recent actions against the university. They expressed their satisfaction that the current administration is tackling the issue of trans women in women’s sports—a response they feel was lacking under the previous administration. “San Jose State has completely failed its female athletes, and it is time they are held accountable,” the statement asserted.

As they observed their daughter struggle with the emotional fallout from the situation, including an eating disorder and academic challenges, her parents became increasingly concerned. They noted a concerning drop in her weight and serious health implications that followed. “It went from about 160 to 128 pounds,” Brooke had shared, highlighting her distress and physical impact. Following the fall semester, her parents suggested she move back to Texas after witnessing the intense effects of the situation.

After the volleyball season wrapped up, they decided it was best for Brooke to stay home rather than return to SJSU. “We told her, ‘Next summer, when your contract is up, you can come get your stuff and stay here,’” her father recounted.

Once winter break ended and Slusser began what was supposed to be her final semester, she attempted to switch to online courses but soon stopped. Losing her scholarship due to this decision meant her family had to cover her tuition and housing costs. “It was a pretty big financial burden on us,” Paul Slusser admitted.

The ED has placed SJSU under pressure to comply with various agreements, including making changes to how the university defines gender in relation to its sports programs, with a deadline set for February 11, 2026. Specific requirements include:

• Issuing a public statement reinforcing biologically based definitions for “male” and “female.”
• Clarifying compliance with Title IX by ensuring facilities are segregated by biological sex.
• Maintaining Title IX compliance without delegating to outside parties.
• Restoring individual athletic records and titles to female athletes who were affected by gender discrimination.
• Issuing apologies to all women who participated in SJSU women’s indoor volleyball and to those who faced disqualifications due to male athletes participating alongside them.

In response, SJSU acknowledged receiving notification from the ED regarding the investigation and stated they are currently reviewing the findings. The university reiterated its commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all students while adhering to the law.