Legal threats came from the U.S. Department of Justice on Monday toward California public schools. The warning stated that the schools could face legal action if they continued to allow transgender students to take part in high school sports.
Officials gave a one-week deadline for schools to comply, claiming that the participation of trans athletes violates the Constitution.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet K. Dhillon, addressed the matter in a formal letter. She argued that a bylaw passed in 2013 by the California Interscholastic Federation, which permits trans students to compete, goes against the Equal Protection Clause and discriminates based on sex.
Response From State Education Leaders
In her letter, Ms. Dhillon pointed to scientific claims as support for her position. She argued that allowing girls to compete with individuals who were born male would reduce opportunities and benefits for female athletes. In the letter, she referred to trans girls as males.
Reacting to the warning, California’s state schools superintendent, Tony Thurmond, made it clear that public schools should keep following the state’s 2013 law. That law allows students to join sports teams that align with their gender identity.
Mr. Thurmond sent a message to both county and district superintendents, as well as to heads of charter schools, to explain the state’s position. He stressed that a letter from the Justice Department does not have the authority to change existing law.
He stated clearly through email that sending a letter does not automatically rewrite legislation or overturn the decisions made at the state level.
Events Leading to Federal Action
Just two days before the Justice Department’s action, a transgender girl claimed victories in two events at the state track and field meet.
The legal warning also followed public comments by President Trump, who had strongly opposed the athlete’s inclusion and threatened to take away federal support if she was allowed to compete.
At the track meet held in Clovis, California, the student athlete named AB Hernandez secured first place in both the high jump and triple jump. She also came second in the long jump while representing Jurupa Valley High School.
This marked her third year of involvement in high school sports, according to a statement from her mother through TransFamily Support Services.
Neither Jacqueline Paul, spokesperson for Jurupa Unified School District, nor Rebecca Brutlag, who speaks for the California Interscholastic Federation, replied to any media inquiries on Monday. The federation oversees athletic events across California, including the prestigious track meet.
Following the President’s earlier threat to pull funds, the federation took steps to revise how they handle results when a trans athlete wins. Their goal was to protect fairness without stopping anyone from participating.
