California Found in Violation of Title IX Because of Trans Athletes, Must Deal With Harsh Consequences

A transgender athlete’s win in California girls’ track has triggered a federal Title IX ruling—and sharp consequences.

Key Facts:

The U.S. Department of Education found California’s education agencies in violation of Title IX for allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports.
Transgender athlete AB Hernandez’s medal wins at the California high school championships prompted the investigation.
California has 10 days to agree to federal terms or risk losing K–12 federal education funding.
Gov. Gavin Newsom previously admitted allowing men in women’s sports is “deeply unfair.”
The resolution would require California to adopt biology-based definitions and issue personal apologies to affected female athletes.

The Rest of The Story:

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concluded that both the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and California Department of Education (CDE) broke federal law by enabling male athletes to compete in female-only sports.

The decision followed an April 4 federal investigation after transgender athlete AB Hernandez competed—and won—in girls’ events, sparking a nationwide outcry.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the findings Wednesday, stating that California “must swiftly come into compliance with Title IX or face the consequences.”

One condition includes sending personalized apology letters to every female athlete whose titles or records were affected by Hernandez’s participation.

The resolution also mandates that schools adopt biology-based definitions of “male” and “female,” submit annual Title IX compliance certifications, and rescind any previous guidance permitting males in female athletic events or facilities.

Today, @usedgov let @GavinNewsom know his state’s policies are in violation of Title IX several times over. Letting men beat women in their sport of choice is illegal and wrong.

You can either stand up for women or answer to the law. pic.twitter.com/96eMOT6huo

— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) June 25, 2025

Commentary:

So California got caught doing what everyone knew it was doing—ignoring basic biology and trampling the rights of female athletes.

For years, the state has cloaked its social experiments in the language of “inclusion,” while female students watched their medals vanish and their dignity dragged down the track.

When a boy outruns girls and walks off with their trophies, it’s not progress—it’s theft.

Newsom’s public statements are a case study in political double-talk.

One moment he calls it “deeply unfair,” the next he’s preaching about “humanity” and “balance.”

Which is it, Governor?

If it’s unfair, stop it. If it’s not, say so.

The feds didn’t buy the hedging.

Instead, they’re forcing California to eat humble pie—and hand-deliver it to the girls who were sidelined.

A handwritten apology won’t erase the injustice, but it’s a start.

And let’s not forget the incentives.

When schools signal that biological males can take girls’ spots on the podium, it discourages female participation.

It sends the message: Don’t bother training. The game is rigged.

This isn’t a culture war issue. It’s common sense colliding with elite ideology.

Most Americans—left, right, and center—understand that biology matters in sports.

The only people who don’t are the ones holding press conferences about “weaponized narratives.”

The Trump administration’s executive order was clear: No men in women’s sports.

Now we’re seeing what enforcement looks like—compliance, or lose the cash.

Expect more blue states to be called out.

And if California, with all its swagger and lawyers, can’t dodge Title IX, nobody else will either.

The Bottom Line:

The federal government has delivered a sharp rebuke to California for allowing males to compete in girls’ sports, citing Title IX violations.

The state must now reverse course, apologize, and adopt biology-based policies—or risk losing school funding.

Fairness in women’s sports is back on the national agenda—and this time, there are consequences.

California Found in Violation of Title IX Because of Trans Athletes, Must Deal With Harsh Consequences

Key Facts:

The Rest of The Story:

Commentary:

The Bottom Line:

Sign Up For The TFPP Wire Newsletter

Read Next