California parents, coaches and faith‑based groups gathered in Sacramento this week to reaffirm their commitment to protecting girls’ athletics after a federal judge dismissed the Department of Justice’s lawsuit challenging the state’s policies that allow biological male athletes to compete on girls’ school teams.
Judge’s ruling based on funding notice, not fairness
U.S. District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela ruled that the government failed to give California explicit prior notice before threatening to withhold $44 billion in education funds, grounding her decision in administrative‑funding rules rather than the underlying Title IX dispute. The judge did not address whether allowing biological males into girls’ sports is fair, lawful or consistent with Title IX.
DOJ and Trump administration remain committed
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice told Fox News Digital that the administration remains committed to enforcing President Trump’s policy barring biological males from girls’ sports and is evaluating options for an appeal. “We are disappointed by the Court’s order, and remain committed to enforcing President Trump’s agenda preventing boys from playing in girls’ sports,” the spokesperson said.
Local advocates demand action
Sophia Lorey, outreach director for the California Family Council and former college soccer player who organized “Save Girls’ Sports” demonstrations, warned that a courtroom technicality does not erase biological sex. “California lawmakers have the power right now to protect female athletes,” Lorey said. “Girls are still paying the price—losing medals, opportunities, roster spots, and privacy while state leaders prioritize gender identity over biological reality.”
Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California superintendent of public instruction, echoed the sentiment, criticizing the dismissal as a political choice dressed up as law. “We stood up to Governor Newsom and the CIF when they decided girls’ sports and locker rooms were political fodder,” Shaw said. “This fight is not going away, and neither am I.”
State agencies stay silent on substance
The California Interschastic Federation declined to comment, stating it does not comment on legal matters. The California Department of Education also declined to address the substance of the ruling, citing ongoing litigation.
Background: federal scrutiny after a trans athlete’s success
The legal battle intensified after Jurupa Valley High School athlete AB Hernandez, a transgender student, won girls’ events at the state track championships, prompting federal scrutiny and policy changes by the CIF intended to preserve qualifying and podium positions for biological female athletes.
While the DOJ’s lawsuit was dismissed, advocates say the fight will continue in the courts and in the state legislature. “We will keep fighting for fairness, safety, privacy and the future of female athletes,” Shaw added. “California parents have been told ‘no’ before, and we refused to quit then. We’re not quitting now.”
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
