Politics
Federal judge dismisses Trump administration lawsuit over California transgender student-athlete policy
A US district judge ruled that the federal government did not provide proper notice that school funding was contingent on barring transgender girls from sports teams.
The short version
- US Judge Cynthia Valenzuela dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit challenging California's policy permitting transgender youth to compete on sports teams matching their gender identity.
- The ruling established that the federal government failed to give clear notice that federal education funding was contingent upon excluding transgender girls from girls' sports.
- California's policy allowing transgender girls on girls' teams remains in place, while the Justice Department stated it is evaluating options to appeal.
Key facts
- US Judge Cynthia Valenzuela issued a final order dismissing the Department of Justice's July 2025 lawsuit against California.[The Guardian]
- The dismissed lawsuit alleged that California's policy, which has permitted transgender girls to compete on girls' school sports teams since 2013, violated Title IX.[The Guardian]
- Judge Valenzuela ruled that the federal government failed to provide proper notice to California that maintaining trans-inclusive sports policies would jeopardize federal school funding.[The Guardian]
- A Department of Justice spokesperson expressed disappointment with the decision and confirmed the agency is assessing options for an appeal.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the Department of Justice will formally file an appeal against the dismissal order.[The Guardian]