DOJ Investigates California’s High School Sports League Over Trans Athlete Participation
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, is investigating California’s high school sports league, the CIF, regarding its policies on transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports, which have been in place since 2014. The inquiry aims to determine if these policies violate Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that Title IX is meant to protect women’s rights in education and criticized the allowance of trans women in girls’ sports. The investigation has partial roots in an ongoing lawsuit filed by families of teenage athletes, including Taylor Starling and Kaitlyn Slavin, who claim Starling was removed from her varsity spot to accommodate a trans athlete, leading to further tensions within their school.
Additionally, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that his office will strive to defend girls’ sports and uphold women’s civil rights against any violations. Tensions around this issue have heightened since similar legal actions emerged in other states, such as Maine, leading to funding cuts from the federal government.
The spotlight is now on the upcoming California state track and field championship, where trans athlete AB Hernandez has performed notably in girls’ competitions. Trump has also weighed in, threatening potential funding cuts to California over its policies that support trans athletes competing as per their gender identity.
In response to the controversy, CIF announced a rule adjustment allowing biologically female athletes who narrowly missed qualifying behind a trans competitor to vie for the title. Governor Gavin Newsom endorsed this modification, calling it a thoughtful approach to a complex issue.
The investigation’s outcome could significantly impact California’s policies regarding transgender participation in high school sports.
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