U.S. Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Against California Over Title IX Violation in Transgender Sports Policy

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a civil lawsuit against the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), alleging violations of Title IX related to policies on transgender student participation in interscholastic athletics. This legal action follows a U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) finding that California's approach, which allows students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity, discriminates against women and girls on the basis of sex. The dispute places billions in federal education funding for California schools at risk.

The OCR concluded its investigations into CDE and CIF on June 25, 2025, determining both entities were in "clear violation of Title IX." USDOE Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the Trump administration prioritizes protecting female athletes from "unfair competition, unsafe situations, and the indignities involved when male athletes compete in athletic competitions designated for girls." The OCR had issued a proposed Resolution Agreement, demanding compliance within 10 days, including rescinding guidance that permits male athletes to participate in women's and girls' sports and requiring the restoration of individual records and awards to female athletes.

California officials, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, have vehemently rejected the federal interpretation, asserting that California's Education Code Section 221.5(f) allows students to participate in sex-segregated programs consistent with their gender identity. Thurmond stated that the DOJ's assertions "are not themselves law" and that California "will continue to follow the law and ensure the safety of all athletes." The state filed a pre-enforcement lawsuit against the DOJ on June 9, 2025, arguing that complying with federal demands would compel California to discriminate against transgender girls, violating the Equal Protection Clause.

This legal confrontation is part of a broader federal push by the Trump administration against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and other state-level policies. Public figures have weighed in, with Lance Christensen stating in a July 10, 2025 tweet, "Looks like the California Dept of Ed was less than honest in its certification to receive federal funding. If they were so brazen here, where else were they not as honest?" This sentiment reflects growing scrutiny over California's adherence to federal regulations.

California's K-12 schools receive approximately $8 billion annually in federal funding, representing about 6% of total K-12 funding, making the potential withholding of funds a significant financial threat. This Title IX dispute adds to existing tensions, such as the Trump administration's impoundment of other federal education funds, which the CDE has also challenged as unlawful. The ongoing legal battles underscore the complex and contentious relationship between federal mandates and California's educational policies.