Department of Education says California is violating federal law with transgender policies – catholicnewsagency.com

Report on Title IX Violation by California Department of Education and Interscholastic Federation

Introduction

On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced findings that the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation violated Title IX by permitting male athletes who identify as female to participate in women’s sports. This report emphasizes the implications of this decision in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Background on Title IX

• Title IX is a federal civil rights law enacted in 1972.
• It prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funding.
• The law’s primary objective is to ensure equal access and opportunities for women and girls in education and sports.
• Notably, Title IX does not mention “gender identity.”

Findings and Official Statements

1. The Department of Education found California’s policies non-compliant with Title IX.
2. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing Title IX protections for women and girls.
3. Secretary McMahon criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for permitting male athletes in women’s sports despite acknowledging the unfairness of such policies.

Stakeholder Perspectives

• Kathleen Domingo, Executive Director of the California Catholic Conference, expressed support for the Department of Education’s enforcement efforts.
• She emphasized the importance of protecting girls’ sports to ensure fair competition, aligning with the original intent of Title IX.
• Concerns were raised regarding the scientific basis of allowing male athletes to compete in female categories, highlighting potential safety risks and unfair advantages.
• The California Catholic Conference supports parental rights and the protection of female athletes, reflecting SDG 5’s aim to empower all women and girls.

Requirements and Compliance Measures

1. The California Department of Education and the Interscholastic Federation must issue notices to all federal funding recipients mandating compliance with Title IX.
2. They are required to ban male athletes from competing in women’s sports and occupying women’s spaces.
3. Adoption of biology-based definitions for “male” and “female” is mandated.
4. All guidance permitting male participation in female sports must be rescinded to ensure Title IX preempts conflicting state laws.
5. Restoration of all individual records, titles, and awards to female athletes affected by male participation is required.
6. Personalized apology letters will be sent to affected female athletes on behalf of the state.
7. Annual certification of Title IX compliance and a monitoring plan must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.

Context of Title IX and Gender Identity Regulations

• In April 2024, the Biden administration redefined Title IX regulations to include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
• The revisions aimed to clarify that sex discrimination encompasses discrimination based on sex stereotypes, characteristics, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
• However, enforcement of these regulations was blocked by multiple court rulings in 2024 and ultimately nationwide in January 2025.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The enforcement of Title IX as originally intended promotes equal opportunities for women and girls in education and sports, combating discrimination and fostering empowerment.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ensuring fair competition and protection of female athletes addresses inequalities related to sex-based discrimination in educational environments.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The Department of Education’s actions reinforce the rule of law and accountability in upholding civil rights legislation.

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of Education’s findings against the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation underscore the ongoing challenges in balancing gender identity considerations with the protection of women’s rights under Title IX. The mandated compliance measures aim to restore fairness and safety in women’s sports, aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals focused on gender equality and reduced inequalities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, ensuring equal access for women and girls.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The core issue revolves around gender discrimination and the protection of women and girls’ rights in sports, directly relating to gender equality.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The enforcement of federal law (Title IX) and compliance monitoring relates to building effective, accountable institutions and ensuring justice.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Proportion of schools and educational institutions complying with Title IX regulations (implied through annual certification of compliance).
   • Number of female athletes receiving restored titles, awards, and recognition as a measure of rectifying discrimination.
2. Indicators for SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
   • Incidence of sex-based discrimination cases reported and resolved in educational sports settings.
   • Number of policies or laws enacted or enforced that protect women and girls from discrimination in sports and education.
3. Indicators for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Frequency and results of compliance monitoring and enforcement actions related to Title IX.
   • Number of federal funding recipients certified for compliance with Title IX.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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