Trump DOJ’s Trans Athlete Lawsuit Dismissed by Federal Judge

The dismissal of a Department of Justice lawsuit by a federal judge over California’s transgender athlete policies has sparked reactions from advocates for girls’ sports. They remain committed to opposing policies that allow biological male athletes to compete on girls’ teams. The DOJ reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Trump administration’s policy barring biological males from girls’ sports and is considering an appeal.

Sophia Lorey, outreach director for the California Family Council and a former college athlete, expressed disappointment over the court’s decision. She emphasized that the ruling did not address the central Title IX dispute, calling the dismissal a technical decision that avoided the fundamental question of fairness in sports. The ruling was based on administrative funding rules, highlighting that the federal government failed to provide California prior notice before threatening to withdraw $44 billion in education funds.

The lawsuit was initially filed in July 2025 against the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation, alleging discrimination against female athletes. Despite the dismissal, Lorey vowed to continue the fight for protecting female athletes, arguing that biological realities should not be overlooked.

Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California superintendent of public instruction, criticized the decision, linking it to political influences. She asserted that the ruling goes against the Supreme Court’s stance on maintaining women’s sports as safe spaces for biological females. Shaw expressed her determination to continue advocating for fairness and the protection of female athletes.

The California Interscholastic Federation and the California Department of Education have refrained from commenting on the court’s dismissal, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the legal challenge gained momentum after the victory of a transgender athlete at a state track championship, prompting scrutiny over policies affecting female athletes’ qualifying and podium positions.