A parent has filed a lawsuit refuting the results of Monroe (Ohio) Public Schools Title IX investigation that was launched because parents claimed they were not informed that a transgender athlete was competing in a volleyball game between Monroe and Skyline high schools.
In a letter to families date April 9, Monroe superintendent said a third-party investigation found that the district had met its obligations under Title IX to provide equal access to teams, maintaining a safe environment free of actionable harassment, and protecting student privacy and bodily integrity.
The district said the claims outlined in the complaint were "unsubstantiated," but acknowledged the process raised "valid procedural questions" that may prompt further review on the district's end.
The complaints specifically addressed concerns around locker room privacy, which the investigation found that the district had complied with current law.
On April 15, attorneys representing an unnamed parent filed a complaint, alleging the investigation was a "calculated cover-up."
According to Yahoo News, the legal document argued that the district failed to disclose or properly consider its own nondiscrimination policy, which includes protections based on gender identity, claiming the investigation lacked transparency. The release also alleges key materials, such as witness statements and correspondence, were not shared with the parent's legal team.
"This was never about finding the truth. It was about protecting school officials," said Richard Thompson, chief counsel for the parent.
The district has maintained that the investigation was limited in scope to Title IX violations and not broader policy or procedural concerns. The U.S. Department of Education is now conducting its own investigation into the matter.
"We recognize that this investigation brought to light important questions regarding our administrative and operational procedures," he wrote, adding that the district is committed to reviewing practices and improving transparency.
