A federal complaint has been filed against the Jurupa Unified School District in Riverside County, California, alleging violations of Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination. The complaint, lodged by conservative watchdog Defending Education on behalf of a parent identified as “Jane Doe,” asserts that the district permits biological males who identify as female to access girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms.
According to the complaint, Jane Doe learned in June 2025 that a biological male had used the girls’ facilities at Aviara Oaks Middle School, where one of her daughters was a student. When she inquired about the school's policy, a physical education teacher reportedly stated that the school must adhere to state law, which allows students to use restrooms aligned with their gender identity.
Subsequent inquiries to the district board of trustees yielded a similar response, indicating that state law would be followed until legally challenged. The principal suggested alternative bathrooms and described the changing practices in gym classes as brief, involving only undressing down to underwear, the filing states.
Jane Doe's concerns were further amplified as her other daughter competed in track events for Sage Creek High School against transgender athlete AB Hernandez, who had gained attention for winning female track competitions. The complaint details that Doe’s request to opt her daughters out of sharing facilities with biological male athletes was denied. The school offered the girls alternative bathrooms or a scheduled private time for them to use the facilities.
Sarah Parshall Perry, vice president at Defending Education, stated that the school’s refusal to accommodate the mother's request constitutes a violation of federal law. "California has persisted in its recalcitrance over biological distinctions in scholastic athletics across the state. But Title IX is not so forgiving,” Perry said. “Every day males are permitted in female athletics and in female spaces is another incident of the discrimination Title IX was passed to prevent.”
The complaint follows a Supreme Court ruling that upheld state laws prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in female sports. The U.S. Education Department has reportedly been investigating California's policies regarding transgender athletes, with several entities, including Jurupa Unified School District, under scrutiny. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education Kimberly Richey has stated, “Women’s sports are for women. The Trump administration will not tolerate policies that erase women’s rights.”