A Biden‑appointed judge cleared the way Monday for California boys who identify as transgender to keep competing on girls’ sports teams.
Judge Cites Lack of Funding Notice
The female federal judge blocked a Trump administration lawsuit that claimed California violated Title IX by allowing males to compete on female teams.
Judge Cynthia Valenzuela ruled the state had not received clear notice that its policies could jeopardize billions in federal aid, noting the Spending Clause bars the plaintiff from enforcing the funding condition.
“Even assuming Title IX requires what Plaintiff contends, the Department of Education lacked clear notice of that requirement as a condition of federal funding,” Valenzuela wrote.
The judge emphasized that the Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing states to set sex‑based eligibility rules does not obligate every school to adopt identical policies, and it declined to rule on whether Title IX permits transgender girls on girls’ teams.
Justice Department Reacts
A Justice Department spokesman said the agency remains disappointed and committed to enforcing President Trump’s agenda that bars boys from girls’ sports.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon posted on X that the decision came from a California judge and urged “stay tuned,” signaling possible further action.
The department has repeatedly challenged statewide policies that restrict girls’ access to private facilities and athletic opportunities, arguing such rules deprive young women of scholarships, awards and safe competition.
“The Justice Department will not stand for policies that deprive girls of their hard‑earned athletic trophies and ignore their safety on the field and in private spaces,” Dhillon said at the time of filing.
