Former Coach Sues Over ‘Trump Lover’ Comments Amid Trans Sports Controversy
A former San Jose State volleyball coach alleges harassment over her stance on transgender athletes and a ‘Trump lover’ slur.
2 min read
A former assistant volleyball coach at San Jose State University has filed a lawsuit against the team’s head coach, alleging she was subjected to harassment and discrimination for opposing the inclusion of a transgender athlete on the team. Melissa Batie-Smoose, who served as an assistant coach for two seasons, claims she was suspended and relieved of her duties after being mocked by head coach Todd Kress.
Harassment Allegations and Title IX Complaint
Batie-Smoose alleges that Kress mocked her in front of other players, calling her a ‘Trump lover,’ and ridiculed her religious beliefs and her stance against allowing a transgender athlete to compete with female players. She claims that Kress ‘cornered, yelled at, and berated’ her at one point, which she says led to a breakdown in her relationship with the team and her eventual dismissal.
Batie-Smoose initially filed a Title IX complaint in October 2024, addressing her concerns about the transgender athlete’s participation in the team. She was placed on administrative leave before the complaint was submitted. The lawsuit follows a broader national debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports, with the Trump administration previously concluding that San Jose State University discriminated against women by allowing a transgender athlete to compete.
School Challenges Federal Discrimination Finding
In January, the Trump administration claimed that San Jose State University discriminated against women by allowing a transgender athlete to play on the women’s volleyball team. Two months later, SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson announced that the university and the California State University system are suing the federal government to challenge the U.S. Department of Education’s discrimination determination.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between Title IX regulations and the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. As the legal battle continues, the university faces scrutiny over its handling of the situation and the potential impact on its athletes and staff.
Source: Breitbart
