White House urges swift action after new details emerge in probe of SJSU trans athlete misconduct and Title IX investigation.

White House Addresses SJSU Transgender Athlete Investigation

The White House has issued a statement in response to escalating developments in the investigation of former San Jose State University (SJSU) volleyball player Blaire Fleming, who is accused of conspiring to harm teammate Brooke Slusser during an October 3 game. The probe—conducted by the Mountain West Conference’s law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher (WFG)—remains under national scrutiny as federal authorities weigh in and Title IX concerns intensify.

Fox News Digital revealed that WFG, which defended Fleming’s eligibility in the same period, also handled the misconduct inquiry. The firm’s lead investigator, Tim Heaphy, later offered SJSU legal counsel as the school faced a federal Title IX investigation, a probe launched by President Donald Trump’s administration in February. Trump referenced the incident during his 2024 campaign, vowing to end what he described as unfair participation of men in women’s sports.

White House spokesperson Liz Huston reiterated this stance: “President Trump is committed to ending the dangerous and unfair participation of men in women’s sports and restoring common sense. President Trump will continue to speak out and take immediate action against schools that are jeopardizing the safety of female athletes.”

Title IX, Legal Battles, and Institutional Response

Federal Judge Kato Crews ruled in November to keep Fleming eligible for women’s competition, siding with WFG’s arguments. The legal victory was publicized by the firm but later removed from its website. Meanwhile, Riley Gaines—a former University of Kentucky swimmer and outspoken critic of NCAA gender eligibility policies—highlighted the developments on social media, amplifying public debate over transgender athletes in collegiate sports.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights continues to investigate SJSU’s handling of the case. University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson affirmed SJSU’s commitment to fairness, non-discrimination, and compliance with federal and state laws. “We remain steadfast in our role as a place of learning, respect and opportunity for all,” she stated, promising transparency throughout the investigation.

Heaphy, who previously led high-profile federal investigations, reached out to SJSU’s counsel in February to offer legal support for the Title IX inquiry, citing his familiarity with the facts from his prior work with the university and conference. SJSU declined his offer, and public records show ongoing correspondence between Heaphy and SJSU legal counsel Dustin May as the investigation advanced.

Legal Counsel and University Communication Under Scrutiny

The investigation’s procedural aspects have come under scrutiny, with the same law firm involved in both the defense and internal review of the athlete’s eligibility and conduct. Public records show that SJSU and Mountain West Conference have not provided additional statements in response to questions about the firm’s dual roles or the deletion of legal announcements from WFG’s website.

SJSU’s counsel responded to media inquiries by clarifying that there was no representation by WFG of SJSU or the California State University system regarding these matters. Additional requests for comment were declined, and university officials have limited further engagement with the media as the federal Title IX probe proceeds.

As the case unfolds, President Trump’s administration continues to emphasize protecting the integrity of women’s sports, signaling potential policy actions in response to high-profile disputes. The outcome of the federal investigation could shape national debates over gender eligibility, athlete safety, and the responsibilities of universities under Title IX for years to come.