The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation Friday into how the Puyallup School District handled a reported sexual assault during a girls’ wrestling match in December.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the probe after the district waited nearly two months to report allegations that a transgender wrestler groped a female competitor during a match.
“Too many women have been injured, harassed, and deprived of opportunities they work hard for,” McMahon posted on X. “Title IX is the law, follow it or face consequences.”
A school resource officer at Rogers High School in South Hill learned of the allegations on Jan. 30 when administrators reported that a student claimed she was assaulted during a December wrestling match. The girl had reported the incident to school officials on Dec. 8, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said they did not know why the district delayed contacting law enforcement for nearly two months.
Sheriff’s office investigators reviewed video footage of the match filmed during the alleged assault. The case was sent to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office earlier this week. A spokesperson said it was too early to determine if criminal charges would be filed.
In an interview with Brandi Kruse on unDivided earlier this week, the girl said she did not know the competitor was transgender during the match. She said she felt the assault happening and allowed the opponent to pin her to end the match.
The Puyallup School District said the situation remains under review and declined to discuss specifics.
“What we can say is that student safety is a top priority and that all reports involving student safety are taken seriously,” the district said in a statement.
