The Justice Department announced on Wednesday that it is examining a California statute which permits transgender athletes to compete on female sports teams at state educational institutions, to determine if it violates federal civil rights legislation.
This investigation was revealed to California’s attorney general and other relevant officials the day after President Donald Trump threatened, via a social media post, to revoke substantial federal funding from the state should it disregard his executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the purpose of the investigation is to assess if California, along with its legal, educational, and athletic organizations, and the local school district, is partaking in discriminatory practices based on sex.
In tandem with this investigation, the Justice Department has also filed a statement of interest in an ongoing federal lawsuit supporting female athletes who assert that transgender athletes should be prohibited from competing alongside them under federal regulations.
“This statement of interest is part of a national initiative spearheaded by the President, the Attorney General, and the Justice Department to ensure that women and girls are not deprived of equitable athletic opportunities,” stated the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The crux of the investigation centers on whether California’s School Success and Opportunity Act, known as AB 1266, is at odds with Title IX, the federal law aimed at preventing sex discrimination in educational programs receiving U.S. funding.
The measure allows students to engage in school programs and sports activities in accordance with their gender identity.
Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights, commented, “Title IX exists to safeguard women and girls in the educational sphere. It is unacceptable to allow males to compete against girls, intrude into their private spaces, and appropriate their achievements.”
She affirmed, “This Division will resolutely defend women’s hard-won rights to equal educational opportunities.”
In his recent post on Truth Social, Trump remarked, “This week a transitioned male athlete, at a major event, won ‘everything’ and is now qualified to compete in the ‘State Finals’ next weekend.”
He added, “As a male, he was a mediocre competitor. As a female, this transitioned individual is almost unbeatable. THIS IS UNFAIR, AND TOTALLY Demeaning TO WOMEN AND GIRLS.”
