Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit challenging California policy allowing biological males in girls’ sports

A federal judge dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit challenging California’s policy that allows biological males to compete in girls’ sports. The judge based the decision on administrative funding rules, stating the government failed to provide explicit prior notice before threatening to withhold funds. The DOJ is reviewing an appeal, while emphasizing its commitment to preventing boys from participating in girls’ sports.

• A federal judge dismissed a DOJ lawsuit against California’s policy allowing biological males in girls’ sports.
• The judge’s decision was based on administrative funding rules, not the debate over fairness.
• The government did not provide explicit prior notice before threatening to withdraw $44 billion in education funds.
• The DOJ is disappointed and reviewing an appeal, maintaining its commitment to enforcing Trump’s agenda on this issue.
• California has had a policy since 2013 allowing biological males who identify as female to compete on girls’ sports teams.
• The controversy has been highlighted by the success of a transgender athlete, AB Hernandez, who has won multiple state titles.
• In some cases, competitive disparities have led to duplicate medals for female athletes and forfeits by rival high schools due to safety concerns.
• The Supreme Court recently upheld states’ authority to ban trans athletes from women’s sports, but did not require such bans.