U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Concludes Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado Has Violated Title IX

Today, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concluded that Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado has violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) by permitting male students to access female bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations, and to compete in female sports.

OCR concluded that Jefferson County's policies allowing access to intimate facilities and participation in sports based on 'gender identity' discriminates against females by denying them safety, dignity, and equal access to educational programs and activities. OCR received athletic rosters from Jefferson County indicating that male students occupy 61 roster positions on girls' sports teams in the District.

"Today's findings reveal sweeping Title IX violations by Jefferson County Public Schools-denying fairness and equality to female students by allowing males into their private facilities, overnight accommodations, and athletics. The District's decision to prioritize 'gender identity' over ensuring equal access for its female students is unconscionable," said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. "The District must act now to end these violations and protect future generations of girls from sex discrimination. The Trump Administration will not relent until female athletes' safety, opportunities, and equal protection under the law are fully restored."

OCR issued a proposed Resolution Agreement to the District to voluntarily resolve its Title IX violations within 10 days or risk imminent enforcement action. The Resolution Agreement requires the following action items:

• The District will rescind or revise any policies which permitted male students to access female intimate facilities, share overnight accommodations with females, and compete in female sports;

• The District will issue a public statement stating that it will comply with Title IX by adopting biology-based definitions of the words 'male' and female' and ensuring that the assignment of intimate facilities and overnight accommodations as well as eligibility to compete in sports will be based on biological sex;

• The statement shall specify that Title IX applies irrespective of state law or regulation and the policies of sports governing bodies, and provide instructions for how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination under the District's grievance policies; and,

• The District shall post this statement in a prominent location on its main website, each of its school websites, and on each of its websites for girls' athletics and notify all staff, students, and coaches of the District's renewed compliance with Title IX.

Background

In June 2025, OCR initiated an investigation into the District amid allegations that it violates Title IX by removing the safeguard of single-sex overnight accommodations on District trips. Today's findings show that the District's Title IX violations extend beyond accommodations, concluding the District also discriminates against females by allowing males to access female-only facilities and compete in girls' sports.

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.