by The Trump administration filed a lawsuit Wednesday against California, escalating a legal battle over the state’s support for transgender student athletes participating in school sports based on gender identity.
Key Points:
- Lawsuit Details:
- Filed by the Department of Justice against the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)
- Alleges violations of Title IX, a federal law banning sex-based discrimination in education
- Claims California’s policies allowing transgender girls to compete on girls’ teams are “unfair” and violate federal law
- Federal Funding at Risk:
- The Department of Education allocated $44.3 billion to California for 2025
- About $3.8 billion remains available to the CDE — and could be at risk if the state doesn’t comply
- Conflict Background:
- Trump signed an executive order in February to withhold federal education funds from schools that allow transgender girls and women to compete in female sports
- California responded by refusing to comply, citing its 2013 state law supporting trans students’ participation based on gender identity
- State’s Response:
- CDE and CIF declined to comment on the legal filing
- Governor Newsom’s spokesperson said California is following state and federal law, and accused Trump of trying to “override” long-standing civil rights protections
- CIF and CDE both rejected a proposed federal resolution agreement earlier this week
- Political Reactions:
- Attorney General Pamela Bondi said forcing girls to compete with trans athletes is both unfair and illegal
- ACLU and LGBTQ advocates argue California is protecting students from discrimination and the federal government’s interpretation of Title IX is flawed
- Athlete at Center of Debate:
- AB Hernandez, a transgender high school athlete, was directly criticized by Trump in May after winning multiple events at the state championship
- CIF later introduced a new pilot podium policy allowing podium ties, ensuring cisgender girls were also recognized
- Broader Context:
- 21 states, including California, currently allow transgender athletes to compete based on gender identity
- More than half of U.S. states have passed laws restricting trans participation in school sports
- The Trump administration reversed a 2023 Biden-era proposal that would have banned blanket bans on trans athletes
What’s Next:
- The lawsuit will now move through federal court.
- If California loses, it could be forced to amend its policies or risk losing billions in federal education funds.
- The case could set a precedent for how Title IX is interpreted regarding gender identity nationwide.
