A federal judge has dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit contesting California policies that let transgender athletes compete in girls’ school sports, according to Fox News Digital. Backers of girls’ sports said they will keep fighting and are weighing an appeal.
Ruling focuses on funding notice, not underlying dispute
Fox News Digital reported that U.S. District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela grounded her decision in administrative funding rules, finding the federal government failed to give California explicit prior notice before threatening to withhold $44 billion in education funds. The report indicated the court did not reach the broader Title IX question of whether allowing transgender athletes on girls’ teams is lawful.
DOJ response: ‘Evaluating our options for appeal’
A Department of Justice spokesperson told Fox News Digital the administration remains committed to enforcing President Donald Trump’s policy barring biological males from girls’ sports despite the setback. “We are disappointed by the Court’s order, and remain committed to enforcing President Trump’s agenda preventing boys from playing in girls’ sports,” the spokesperson said, adding, “We are evaluating our options for appeal.”
Advocates: ‘Far from over’
Sophia Lorey, California Family Council outreach director and a former college soccer player who organized “Save Girls’ Sports” demonstrations, told Fox News Digital the ruling left the core dispute unresolved. “California should not mistake a courtroom technicality for a victory,” she said. “The judge did not rule that allowing males into girls’ sports is fair, lawful, or consistent with Title IX. This case was dismissed on a technical issue without ever deciding the fundamental question at the heart of this fight.”
She added, “I hope to see this decision appealed, but regardless, this fight is far from over. California lawmakers have the power right now to protect female athletes. A courtroom technicality does not erase biological sex, and it does not make discrimination against girls acceptable.”
Shaw blasts dismissal, cites Supreme Court and Newsom
Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California superintendent of public instruction who has been involved in filing federal civil rights complaints over transgender-athlete policies, criticized the outcome in comments to Fox News Digital. “Parents in California are no strangers to this fight, or to these underhanded tactics. We stood up to Gavin Newsom and the CIF when they decided girls’ sports and girls’ locker rooms were political fodder,” she said.
Shaw asserted that “a Biden-appointed judge just tossed out a case that should have protected female athletes, and she did it after the Supreme Court already ruled that states can keep women’s teams as a safe space for biological females.” She added, “This fight is not going away, and neither am I.”
What officials said—and what’s next
The California Interscholastic Federation declined to comment on the dismissal when contacted by Fox News Digital. “The CIF does not comment on legal matters,” CIF Director of Media Rebecca Brutlag said. The California Department of Education also declined to address the substance of the ruling, citing ongoing litigation: “The California Department of Education cannot comment on pending litigation,” a spokesperson said.
Fox News Digital reported the Justice Department filed suit in July 2025 against the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation, alleging their transgender-athlete policies discriminate against female athletes. The outlet also reported the fight intensified after transgender Jurupa Valley High School athlete AB Hernandez won girls’ events at California’s state track championships, prompting federal scrutiny and CIF changes intended to preserve qualifying and podium positions for biological female athletes.
