Advocates for girls' sports have pledged to continue their efforts after a federal judge dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit challenging California's policies that permit transgender girls to compete in girls' school sports.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated it remains committed to enforcing former President Donald Trump's policy against biological males participating in girls' sports and is considering an appeal following 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," a DOJ spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "We are evaluating our options for appeal."
The ruling was based on administrative funding rules, with U.S. District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela finding that the federal government did not provide California with explicit prior notice before threatening to withhold $44 billion in education funds. The court's decision did not address the underlying issues of fairness and biological differences in sports.
The Justice Department had filed the lawsuit in July 2025 against the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation, alleging that their transgender athlete policies discriminated against female athletes.
Sophia Lorey, outreach director for the California Family Council and a former college soccer player, criticized the dismissal, stating, "California should not mistake a courtroom technicality for a victory." Lorey added, "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."
Lorey emphasized that the dismissal does not resolve the core Title IX dispute and that the fight is "far from over." She also stated, "California girls are still paying the price, losing medals, opportunities, roster spots, and privacy while state leaders prioritize gender identity over biological reality."
Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California superintendent of public instruction who has been involved in filing federal civil rights complaints regarding transgender athlete policies, also voiced strong disapproval of the decision. She described the ruling as a "political choice dressed up as law" that harms girls.
"This fight is not going away, and neither am I," Shaw said. "I am not backing down because an activist judge in a kangaroo court dismissed a case. This is a hill we are willing to die on. We will keep fighting for fairness, safety, privacy and the future of female athletes."
The California Interscholastic Federation declined to comment on the court's dismissal, stating, "The CIF does not comment on legal matters." Similarly, the California Department of Education cited ongoing legal proceedings, declining to comment on the substance of the ruling.
The legal scrutiny intensified after a transgender athlete, AB Hernandez, won girls' events at California's state track championships. This led to federal attention and subsequent changes by the CIF aimed at preserving qualifying spots and podium positions for biological female athletes.