The U.S. Department of Education has announced that California and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) have violated the civil rights of female students by allowing transgender athletes to compete in school sports according to their gender identity. This finding comes after a lengthy investigation by the Trump administration, which concluded that California’s practices are unlawful under Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs.
The Department has given California ten days to agree to change these practices voluntarily or face potential enforcement actions. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the administration’s commitment to enforcing Title IX protections for women and girls, stating that California has failed to meet its obligations under this law.
California Governor Gavin Newsom previously acknowledged concerns about fairness in allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports but has maintained that all students should have the right to participate in school activities. A spokesperson for the California Department of Education reiterated this commitment to inclusivity.
The investigation began in February when the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights scrutinized CIF’s policies, which permit transgender students to compete in accordance with their gender identity. This decision has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing it undermines the rights and safety of cisgender female athletes.
Critics of the federal finding, including Chino Valley Unified School Board President Sonja Shaw, welcomed the decision as a step toward justice for female athletes. In contrast, others, like Culver City Unified School Board President Triston Ezidore, condemned it as harmful and discriminatory, arguing that it forces schools to enforce narrow definitions of gender.
The Department of Education’s proposed resolution includes several demands, such as requiring California to notify all recipients of federal funding that they must comply with the administration’s interpretation of Title IX. This includes adopting biology-based definitions of male and female, rescinding guidance that allows transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, and restoring records and awards to female athletes that were claimed by transgender competitors.
While the exact consequences for California remain unclear, McMahon warned that the state risks losing federal funding for K-12 schools if it does not comply. The state is currently reviewing the federal findings and has expressed its intent to defend its laws that support inclusive education environments.
This ongoing conflict highlights the deep divisions in the country regarding the rights of transgender individuals in sports. As debates continue, California remains firm in its stance on supporting all students, while the federal government pushes back with its interpretation of Title IX.