Colorado School District Faces Title IX Probe Over Alleged Benching of Volleyball Players

A Colorado school district already under federal investigation is facing fresh scrutiny after claims emerged that high school volleyball players were threatened with benching for privately discussing a transgender athlete in their program.

According to federal filings, two varsity players at Dakota Ridge High School were warned they would miss a match after discussing the situation among friends. The U.S. Department of Education is currently conducting a Title IX investigation into the district, Jefferson County Schools.

Emails Detail Benching Threats and Bullying Allegations

In an email obtained by OutKick, Dakota Ridge High School’s head volleyball coach informed a parent that their daughter was being sidelined due to disciplinary concerns. “Over the past several days, we have received multiple reports alleging that your daughter used language toward teammates that could be characterized as bullying,” the message stated. “As a result, your daughter won’t be eligible to participate in today’s match.”

The email noted that the program emphasizes character and respect, adding that the reported conduct fell short of school standards. However, the message didn’t specify the exact language used by the player.

Separately, parent Tanna Donalson submitted a Title IX complaint detailing another incident involving team discipline. In an Oct. 6 email to the district, Donalson reported that three varsity players were pulled aside by Mr. Zeman, a coach in the program. She stated that two of the girls were threatened with a benching after four friends discussed the situation privately and one student reported the conversation to a teacher.

According to Donalson, the players were ultimately allowed to play after their parents met with Mr. Zeman and the athletic director, provided they agreed not to discuss the matter again. Lindsay Datko, founder of the parent advocacy group Jeffco Kids First, also stated she reviewed emails showing girls were threatened with benching when expressing frustration, though she noted the coach eventually backed away from the discipline.

Legal Clashes and Broader Title IX Investigation

Responding to Donalson on Oct. 6, Jeffco Chief Legal Counsel Julie Tolleson noted that the district’s Title IX coordinator could include the reports in her review. Just a day earlier, Tolleson had reminded Donalson that district policy strictly prohibits retaliation.

In a formal statement, Jeffco Public Schools defended its adherence to the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and district nondiscrimination policies. Citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the district stated it couldn’t comment on individual student records or gender identity, while reiterating its commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment.

The dispute comes amid broader legal friction between the district and federal authorities. On March 13, the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights found that Jeffco violated Title IX about girls’ athletics, facilities, and overnight accommodations, later issuing a notice of impending enforcement action on June 26. In response, Jeffco filed a lawsuit on July 28 against Education Secretary Linda McMahon and the Education Department, arguing federal demands conflict with state law.

Meanwhile, voters across the state will consider Proposition 134 on Nov. 3, a ballot measure that would mandate school sports teams be designated by biological sex.