Monroe Schools Investigation Finds No Title IX Violations in Locker Room Incident
Independent probe clears Monroe Public Schools of Title IX violations after parent complaint over shared volleyball locker room incident.
MONROE, MICHIGAN — An independent investigation has determined that Monroe Public Schools did not violate Title IX regulations following a complaint about shared locker room facilities during a girls’ volleyball game, according to a letter sent to families Thursday by Superintendent Andrew Shaw.
The investigation was launched in December after a parent of a Monroe High School girls’ volleyball team member filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. The complaint centered on a September 9, 2025 volleyball game between Monroe High School and Ann Arbor Skyline High School, where both teams allegedly shared a locker room.
“Specifically, the investigation concluded that the claims against the District were unsubstantiated regarding equal access to teams, the provision of a safe environment, and the protection of student privacy and bodily integrity,” Shaw wrote in his letter to families.
Background of the Complaint
The incident occurred during a period of heightened anti-transgender sentiment from right-wing media outlets and conservative legislators directed toward a student on the Ann Arbor Skyline girls’ volleyball team. The shared locker room situation became a focal point for the Title IX complaint filed with federal education officials.
Monroe Public Schools Athletic Director Chet Hesson was placed on leave following the incident after expressing empathy for transgender athletes, though the district has not announced whether he will be reinstated following the investigation’s conclusion.
District Implements Policy Changes
Despite the finding of no Title IX violations, Monroe Public Schools has implemented changes as a proactive measure. According to an FAQ document attached to Shaw’s letter, the district will no longer allow shared locker rooms between opposing teams.
Shaw acknowledged that the investigation raised operational questions for the district. “While the investigator concluded there were no substantiated violations of Title IX, this determination in no way diminishes the concerns raised by members of our community throughout this process,” he stated.
The superintendent indicated that additional reviews beyond Title IX compliance are still ongoing. “We recognize that this investigation brought to light questions regarding our administrative and operational procedures, and communication protocols,” Shaw added in his letter.
Ongoing Reviews
While the independent investigation found no federal violations, Monroe Public Schools continues to examine its policies and procedures. The district has not provided a timeline for completing these additional reviews or made any announcements regarding potential changes to personnel decisions.
The Title IX investigation was conducted by an independent investigator following standard federal procedures for complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Education. The findings specifically addressed claims about equal access to athletic teams, provision of safe environments, and protection of student privacy.
Monroe Public Schools serves students in Monroe County and has been working to address community concerns while maintaining compliance with federal regulations regarding student athletics and facility usage.
