Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit on Trans Athletes in California High School Sports

<p>A federal judge has dismissed a <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/federal-judge-dismisses-doj-lawsuit-challenging-california-policy-allowing-biological-males-girls-sports" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Department of Justice lawsuit</a> against California, allowing state rules that permit biological males to compete in girls' high school sports to remain in effect. Following the ruling, Governor Gavin Newsom's office issued a statement.</p><p>"This ruling makes clear that President Trump cannot rewrite Title IX by fiat," a spokesperson for Newsom's office stated.</p><p>"He cannot weaponize the law against the American people, and <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/us-regions/west/california" rel="noopener" target="_blank">California</a> will keep fighting his attempts to do so."</p><p>U.S. District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela did not rule on whether California’s policy violates Title IX or whether biological males should compete in girls’ sports. She dismissed the case on Monday, stating that federal officials failed to provide California with clear notice that maintaining the policy could result in a loss of approximately $44 billion in federal education funding.</p><p>The ruling keeps California’s policy intact while the Justice Department considers an appeal.</p><p>"We are disappointed by the Court's order and remain committed to enforcing President Trump's agenda of preventing boys from playing in girls' sports," a spokesperson for the Justice Department asserted.</p><p>The federal lawsuit aimed to use Title IX, the landmark 1972 law designed to protect female athletes, to safeguard girls' sports. However, under Governor Gavin Newsom and state athletic officials, California has upheld a 2013 policy allowing males to compete on girls’ teams.</p><p>Newsom has acknowledged in a podcast that fairness is a central issue in the debate over transgender athletes.</p><p>The Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold state bans did not create a nationwide mandate, allowing California’s policy to remain in effect.</p><p>California’s policy has faced significant backlash, particularly in track and field, where Jurupa Valley High School athlete AB Hernandez won four girls’ state titles over two seasons. Hernandez secured back-to-back championships in high jump and triple jump and finished third in the long jump, leading state officials to issue duplicate medals to the girls who were displaced on the podium. The debate shifted from competitive fairness to player safety when Hernandez joined the girls’ varsity volleyball team.</p><p>At least eight teams forfeited against Jurupa Valley, citing fairness and safety concerns regarding competition against a male athlete.</p><p>State officials note the limited number of trans athletes competing in California. Female athletes and advocates argue that even one male competitor can displace girls, impact state championships, and affect college or NIL opportunities.</p><p>With the federal case stalled, California continues to be a significant battleground regarding Title IX and women’s sports.</p>