The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has concluded its investigations into the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), finding both in violation of Title IX due to alleged discrimination against women and girls based on sex.
According to the OCR, "The Trump Administration and the Department of Education have prioritized protecting female athletes from unfair competition, unsafe situations, and the indignities involved when male athletes compete in athletic competitions designated for girls." Title IX mandates equal opportunities for girls, including in sports, but California is accused of allowing males in female sports and spaces.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that despite Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledging it was "deeply unfair" for men to compete in women's sports, CDE and CIF continued this practice. She emphasized that "the Trump Administration will relentlessly enforce Title IX protections for women and girls," warning that California must comply with federal law or face consequences.
In response to these findings, OCR proposed a Resolution Agreement requiring CDE and CIF to rectify their practices within 10 days or face enforcement actions. The agreement includes several requirements: notifying all recipients of federal funding about compliance with Title IX; rescinding any guidance conflicting with federal law; restoring records and awards to female athletes; sending personalized apologies to affected athletes; and ensuring annual certification of compliance.
June has been declared 'Title IX Month' by the Department of Education, marking the 53rd anniversary of the bill aimed at promoting equal educational and athletic opportunities for women.
Background information reveals that CIF had announced adherence to state laws allowing participation based on gender identity rather than biological sex. This prompted OCR's investigation starting February 12th, which escalated to a special team by May. Additionally, an investigation into CDE began on April 4th over similar concerns.
A recent Supreme Court decision upheld a Tennessee law concerning medical care related to gender identity issues, emphasizing distinctions between "transgender" identification and "biological sex."
Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal aid.
