Dept. of Ed. Investigates Alleged Sexual Assault by Trans Wrestler During Match

Transgender wrestler accused of inappropriately touching female opponents during competitions

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation into allegations that a transgender high school wrestler in Washington state sexually assaulted a female opponent during a match. The 16-year-old victim claims the transgender wrestler tried to push fingers into her vagina during competition, and there are reports of more than a dozen similar complaints against the same wrestler.

Why it matters

This case raises complex issues around transgender athletes competing in women's sports and the need to balance inclusion with ensuring the safety and dignity of all participants. The allegations, if true, could represent a violation of Title IX rules meant to protect students from sexual assault and harassment in educational programs.

The details

Kallie Keeler, a 16-year-old sophomore wrestler at Rogers High School in Puyallup, Washington, says she was assaulted during a December 6 match against a transgender wrestler from Emerald Ridge High School. Keeler claims the opponent, who identifies as a girl, tried to push fingers into her vagina during the competition. There have reportedly been more than a dozen similar complaints about this transgender wrestler inappropriately touching female opponents.

  • The alleged assault occurred on December 6, 2025 during a high school wrestling match.
  • The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into the incident in February 2026.

The players

Kallie Keeler

A 16-year-old sophomore wrestler at Rogers High School in Puyallup, Washington who has accused a transgender opponent of sexually assaulting her during a match.

Emerald Ridge High School

The high school that the transgender wrestler who allegedly assaulted Kallie Keeler attends.

U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights

The federal agency that has launched an investigation into the alleged sexual assault incident and potential Title IX violations.

Kimberly Richey

The Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education who stated the agency will not tolerate such conduct and will ensure the safety and equal access of women and girls in educational programs.

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What they’re saying

“I was just kind of like, what? What the heck? I didn't really know what to do or how to handle that situation. I just wanted the match to be over.”

— Kallie Keeler, Victim (OutKick)

“The allegations in this case are sickening. While the District may prioritize ideological agendas over the safety and dignity of its students, the Trump Administration will not tolerate such conduct.”

— Kimberly Richey, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (OutKick)

What’s next

The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights will continue its investigation to determine if any Title IX violations occurred and what actions may be taken.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex balance between inclusivity for transgender athletes and ensuring the safety and dignity of all participants in women's sports. The allegations, if true, could represent a serious violation of federal rules meant to protect students from sexual assault and harassment.