Ex‑SJSU coach sues CSU over Title IX retaliation
Former San Jose State assistant women’s volleyball coach Melissa Batie‑Smoose filed a lawsuit last week against the Board of Trustees of the California State University system, alleging she was suspended in November 2024 in retaliation for a Title IX complaint tied to allegations involving transgender player Blaire Fleming. The complaint — and Batie‑Smoose’s suit — cites specific incidents including an Oct. 3 match she alleges involved a scheme to spike co‑captain Brooke Slusser, claims that Fleming received special accommodations not afforded to other players, and contends SJSU administrators removed her from campus minutes before a home game and barred her from retrieving personal items.
Legal
Education
🔍 Key Facts
- Lawsuit filed last week by Melissa Batie‑Smoose against the CSU Board of Trustees (plaintiff: Batie‑Smoose; defendant: CSU Board)
- Coach says she was suspended the first weekend of November 2024, notified minutes before warm-ups for a home game against New Mexico State
- Title IX complaint alleges an Oct. 3 incident in which Blaire Fleming conspired with an opposing player to spike co‑captain Brooke Slusser in the face and alleges preferential treatment for Fleming
📍 Contextual Background
- The Office for Civil Rights sent a letter addressing the referral to Harvard President Alan Garber.