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The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concluded that a Colorado school district violated federal civil rights laws by allowing male students access to female bathrooms, locker rooms and dormitories and to compete in girls’ sports.
In findings released Friday, the OCR determined that Jefferson County Public Schools violated Title IX.
The release said OCR received athletic rosters from Jefferson County and the rosters indicate that “male students may fill up to 61 rosters on girls sports teams in the district.”
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OCR said the policies deny girls “safety, dignity and equal access” to educational programs and activities.
Federal investigators also obtained athletic rosters from Jefferson County, indicating that male students could fill up to 61 roster spots on girls’ sports teams throughout the district, the agency said.
“Today’s findings reveal widespread violations of Title IX by Jefferson County Public Schools — denying fairness and equality to female students by allowing men to enter their private facilities, residence halls and athletics,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in a statement.
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“The district’s decision to prioritize ‘gender identity’ over ensuring equal access for its female students is unconscionable.” Richey said. “The District must act now to end these violations and protect future generations of girls from gender discrimination. The Trump administration will not relent until female athletes’ safety, opportunity and equal protection under the law are fully restored.”
The Office for Civil Rights has issued the district a proposed settlement agreement, giving officials 10 days to voluntarily comply or face potential federal enforcement action.
The investigation began in June 2025, when OCR launched an investigation into allegations that Jefferson County Public Schools removed safeguards requiring single-sex overnight stays on district-sponsored trips.
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Federal investigators said their review revealed broader violations, concluding that the district also allowed male students to access female-only facilities and compete on girls’ teams.
Title IX, enacted in 1972, prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities receiving federal aid.
