The U.S. Justice Department has increased pressure on California school districts to bar transgender athletes from competing in school sports. On Monday, the department warned districts that they could face legal action if they do not comply with federal directives by June 9. This move follows similar threats from President Donald Trump, who has expressed opposition to the California Interscholastic Federation’s (CIF) policy allowing transgender students to compete in sports consistent with their gender identity.
The issue gained attention after AB Hernandez, a transgender junior from Jurupa Valley High School, won multiple medals at the state high school track and field championships on Saturday (May 31). Despite President Trump’s executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” Hernandez participated and excelled in the competition. The CIF responded by implementing a policy allowing cisgender athletes to receive duplicate medals if they would have placed higher without transgender athletes competing, a decision made prior to Trump’s comments.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has given over 1,600 schools affiliated with the CIF until June 9 to certify that they will not implement CIF Bylaw 300.D, which permits participation based on gender identity. Dhillon argues that the bylaw violates the federal 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. According to the Washington Times, Dhillon stated that forcing girls to compete against males constitutes unconstitutional sex discrimination.
The CIF has maintained its commitment to providing opportunities for all students while complying with California law. However, the Justice Department’s actions have sparked a broader debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in school sports. With the June 9 deadline approaching, California schools must decide whether to comply with federal demands or face potential legal consequences.
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