The US Department of Education has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the Puyallup School District following reports that a 16-year-old female wrestler was sexually assaulted during a match against a male competitor in a girls-only division.
The department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced Friday, Feb. 13, that it initiated a directed investigation to determine whether the district violated Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools receiving federal funding.
According to the Department of Education, the December 2025 incident involved a female student who reported being sexually assaulted during a wrestling match against a male student competing in the girls’ division. After the match, the student reportedly learned that her opponent was biologically male, the department said.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed it opened a criminal investigation into the reported assault, which allegedly happened at Rogers High School in South Hill.
Federal officials said the investigation will examine whether the district allowed males to compete in female sports, permitted access to girls’ locker rooms, and failed to properly respond to the student’s report.
“The allegations in this case are sickening — that a female athlete was not only unknowingly forced to compete against a male in a girls-only division placing her at increased risk for sexual assault, but that her report of sexual assault during the match was ignored by Puyallup School District for months,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in a statement.
“We will continue to vigorously enforce Title IX to ensure that women and girls have safe, equal access to educational programs and opportunities, and that allegations of sexual assault are addressed promptly and fully.”
The Department of Education also cited media reports claiming that at least a dozen female athletes had complained to school administrators about two male students using the girls’ locker room. OCR said it will review whether district leaders were aware of ongoing concerns and whether they responded appropriately.
Title IX, enacted in 1972, bars discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities that receive federal funding. Schools found in violation can face corrective action and potential loss of federal funds.
Puget Press has reached out to Puyallup School District for comment.
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