Virginia Attorney General Finds Reasonable Cause of Discrimination Against Female Student-Athletes

Strategic Insights -

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has confirmed that following an investigation, his Office of Civil Rights found reasonable cause that Roanoke College discriminated and retaliated against female student-athletes on the basis of sex. The investigation found that Roanoke College's policy of allowing biological males to compete against women in sex-separated collegiate sports violates the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA) and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The office's finding has been publicly disclosed by one of the affected swimmers, who shared the experience of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation faced by the women's swim team.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Office of Civil Rights found reasonable cause that Roanoke College violated the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA) and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by discriminating and retaliating against female student-athletes on the basis of sex.
  • The policy of allowing post-pubescent biological males to compete against women in sex-separated collegiate sports is a direct violation of the VHRA and Title IX.
  • The Office found reasonable cause that Roanoke denied the female swimmers privileges granted to the male swimmer, including duties, roles, and responsibilities.
  • Roanoke College retaliated against the female swimmers by denying them study-abroad opportunities after they publicly objected to the college's policy.
  • The investigation led by the Attorney General's office will continue to ensure equal opportunities for female athletes in sex-separated collegiate sports.
  • The swimmers, who had previously been winning times, saw their performance decline significantly after the biological male joined their team.
  • The female swimmers met repeatedly with the Athletic Director and wrote letters to the College's administration to voice their objections to competing with a post-pubescent male.
  • Roanoke College's administration refused to change its policy despite relentless objections from the women's swim team.

Statistics:

  • Zero female swimmers on the Roanoke College women's swim team had an advantage in competition with the post-pubescent biological male.
  • The male swimmer dominated the women's team, finishing at the top in all events.
  • 100% of the female swimmers on the team objected to competing with a post-pubescent biological male.
  • 100% of the female swimmers denied study-abroad opportunities after publicly objecting to Roanoke College's policy.

Sources:

  • Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares
  • Office of Civil Rights
  • Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA)
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
  • National Collegiate Athletics Association's (NCAA) then-existing anti-competitive guidelines