DOJ Sues California Over Title IX Violations in Girls’ Sports

On Wednesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated a lawsuit against California, claiming the state discriminated against women by allowing transgender individuals to compete in girls’ sports and spaces.

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division contended in its complaint that the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) violated Title IX. The complaint alleges that these organizations forced female athletes to “be driven off the podium, reject the award, and miss out on important visibility for scholarships and recognition.” Title IX protects against gender discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funding.

“This discrimination is not just illegal, it’s also unfair,” the complaint states. It suggests that such practices send a message to girls that their accomplishments are less important. This, it argues, undermines the integrity of girls’ sports, reduces their competitive experiences, and contradicts Title IX’s aim of providing equal access to educational benefits such as scholarships.

The DOJ is asking the US District Court for the Central District of California to provide restitution for female athletes who were denied equal opportunities. They seek amendments to past athletic records and a requirement for regular compliance reports over the next five years as a condition for receiving federal funding.

In a press release, the DOJ emphasized the importance of California’s compliance with Title IX, noting that the state is set to receive $44.3 billion in federal funds in the current fiscal year.

This lawsuit follows California’s rejection of a proposed resolution from the Department of Investigation, which was linked to the investigation into the CDE and CIF. Education Secretary Linda McMahon mentioned that she had informed the state through Attorney General Pam Bondy.

Bondi remarked, “The California governor has acknowledged that it is ‘deeply unfair’ to compel women and girls to compete against men and boys in sports.” She added that it’s not only unfair but also illegal, asserting that the DOJ is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in athletics.

Both CIF and CDE have refrained from commenting on the ongoing lawsuit. A spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom pointed out that no court has supported the Trump administration’s interpretation of federal law, and California adheres to state laws allowing athletes to compete according to their gender identity.

“This ongoing attack is a cynical attempt to distract from the Trump administration’s failure to support nearly three million girls enrolled in California public schools,” the spokesperson noted.

In February, Trump signed an executive order aimed at keeping men out of women’s sports, which states that institutions receiving federal funding can’t deny equal opportunities for women’s participation in sports.

The order establishes that women and girls should not be deprived of opportunities or privacy and emphasizes opposing men’s participation in women’s sports based on safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.

After the signing, the CIF publicly stated its intention to defy the administration and to continue following state laws favoring gender identity over biological considerations.

Case number: US v. California Interstate Integration Federation, No. 8:25-CV-1485, US District Court, Central District of California.