California Trans Athlete Lawsuit Partially Survives Dismissal
A lawsuit initiated by two high school girls’ athletes related to a controversy involving transgender athletes in California has, at least in part, progressed past a dismissal attempt.
Taylor Sterling and Caitlin Slavin, who run cross-country at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California, filed their lawsuit in November 2024. They allege that a transgender athlete took Sterling’s varsity spot and wore a shirt reading “save girls sports.” In the lawsuit, they claim that an administrator likened the shirt to swastikas.
The Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) was named as a defendant, alongside California Attorney General Rob Bonta and public leader Tony Thurmond, both of whom have been dismissed from the case.
U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes, appointed by President Biden, ruled against the school district’s request to dismiss the plaintiffs’ Title IX claims concerning intentional discrimination. However, she agreed that the students had not made clear claims of Title IX violations.
Sykes supported the plaintiffs’ claims for financial damages, but noted that since one of the athletes has graduated, she did not grant an injunction against the school to remove transgender athletes from the team.
The families of Sterling and Slavin, supported by their legal team focused on faith and freedom, view the ruling as a small victory. Dan Slavin, Caitlin’s father, commented, “I don’t think the fight is over, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.” Ryan Sterling, Taylor’s father, added that this lawsuit has helped unite their family and others in the community.
Both Sterling and Slavin continue their education at Martin Luther King High School while the lawsuit is underway. Dan Slavin remarked that the situation was extremely troubling last year, but his daughter and her friends seem to be managing better this year, even though school administrators still provoke some anxiety.
Ryan Sterling noted that despite the school’s policies, many teachers are quietly backing their daughter’s position.
Their attorney, Julian Fleischer, aims to expand on prior dismissal attempts. Sykes’ ruling indicated that the plaintiffs needed to clarify how their Title IX claims apply to their situation, yet also allowed them the chance to amend those claims. Fleischer commented, “It lets us strengthen our complaints, which is what we want. California and Riverside are clearly targeting harmful policies against Taylor, Caitlin, and other female athletes.”
He also mentioned the possibility of discussions around settlements but called the district’s intentions into question. The case highlights a larger cultural issue regarding women’s sports and transgender athletes.
Last year, school administrators drew sharp comparisons between the girls’ shirts and swastikas. In response, students began wearing the shirts weekly, and eventually, the school ceased penalizing them for it.
Furthermore, the families of Sterling and Slavin have provided support to other families at nearby Jurupa Valley High School, encouraging them to file complaints against the Jurupa Unified School District over transgender volleyball players. Students Hadeel Hazameh and Alyssa McPherson shared that Sterling and Slavin’s efforts inspired them to pursue legal action.
Ryan Sterling reflected on the initial fear surrounding the situation, noting the courage it takes to stand up and assert rights, especially when feeling ignored by the district.
Dan Slavin expressed hope that their experience would positively influence others, stating, “It’s encouraging to hear that our girls inspired them, and I hope it creates a trickle-down effect for everyone.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Jurupa Unified School District for comments.
