The U.S. Department of Education has determined that California is in violation of Title IX after the state’s policies allowed transgender athletes to compete in female sports. According to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and the California Department of Education (CDE) failed to adhere to Title IX, which protects students from sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. This decision comes in the wake of controversy surrounding transgender athlete AB Hernandez, who won medals in girls’ competitions during the California state championships, sparking nationwide debate. President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from competing against biological girls and women has amplified the situation, with the Education Department now enforcing Title IX protections. California has 10 days to accept the agency’s proposed resolution agreement, which includes apologies to female athletes and updates to policies to align with Title IX. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration have defended their stance on transgender inclusion, dismissing the Education Department’s threats of defunding as political posturing. The controversy has highlighted the ongoing tensions between state policies and federal law relating to transgender athletes in sports.