The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has found that a Colorado school district violated federal civil rights law by permitting male students to use female bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations, as well as participate in girls' sports teams.
In a report released on Friday, OCR determined that Jefferson County Public Schools had breached Title IX regulations. According to OCR, they obtained athletic rosters from the district, revealing that “male students may occupy up to 61 roster positions on girls’ sports teams in the district.”
The investigation disclosed that these policies deprived girls of “safety, dignity, and equal access” to educational programs and activities. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey stated, “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.”
Richey emphasized that prioritizing ‘gender identity’ over ensuring equal access for female students was unacceptable. She added, “The district must act promptly to rectify these violations and safeguard future generations of girls from sex discrimination.”
The Office for Civil Rights has presented the district with a proposed resolution agreement, granting officials 10 days to comply voluntarily or potentially face federal enforcement measures.
The investigation, initiated in June 2025, was prompted by allegations that Jefferson County Public Schools had removed safeguards requiring single-sex overnight accommodations on district-sponsored trips. Federal investigators uncovered broader violations, including male students accessing female-only facilities and participating in girls' teams.
Title IX, established in 1972, prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal funding.
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