Today, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) initiated a directed investigation into Puyallup School District (the District) in Puyallup, Washington based on reports that a female wrestler was sexually assaulted by a male competitor during a competition designated as a women’s wrestling event. OCR will determine whether the District violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) by allowing males to compete in female sports, allowing males to access locker rooms designated for use by female students, and failing to adequately respond to allegations of sexual assault.
In December 2025, a 16-year-old female wrestler at a District school reported being sexually assaulted during a match against a male student competing in the girls’ division. After the match, the female athlete reportedly learned her opponent was biologically male. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has since confirmed that it has opened a criminal investigation. According to media reports, the alleged violations are ongoing and well known to school leaders, with at least a dozen female athletes having complained to administrators about the presence of two males in the girls’ locker room.
“The allegations in this case are sickening—that a female athlete was not only unknowingly forced to compete against a male in a girls-only division placing her at increased risk for sexual assault, but that her report of sexual assault during the match was ignored by Puyallup School District for months. While the District may prioritize ideological agendas over the safety and dignity of its students, the Trump Administration will not tolerate such conduct,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “We will continue to vigorously enforce Title IX to ensure that women and girls have safe, equal access to educational programs and opportunities, and that allegations of sexual assault are addressed promptly and fully.”
Background
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.