The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) under President Donald Trump is launching an investigation into the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) over its policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports. The move follows Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in female categories, which CIF has been accused of violating.
The California Family Council (CFC), a conservative advocacy group, welcomed the federal investigation, arguing that CIF has disregarded the concerns of female athletes, coaches, and parents.
Advocates Applaud Federal Action
The CFC’s Outreach Director, Sophia Lorey, who previously competed in CIF athletics, expressed her emotional reaction to the DOE’s decision.
“As a former CIF athlete and team captain, I have seen firsthand how these policies are unfair to female competitors,” Lorey said. “This investigation is long overdue, and we hope it leads to real change.”
Lorey has been actively involved in advocating for female athletes, including intervening in a controversy at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside. A transgender runner took a varsity cross-country spot, prompting student-athletes Taylor Starling and Kaitlyn Slavin to protest by wearing “Save Girls Sports” shirts. They later sued their school district, claiming they were reprimanded and compared to hate groups.
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Parents and School Officials Speak Out
Taylor Starling’s father, Ryan Starling, praised the Trump administration for taking action.
“We are incredibly grateful to President Trump and his administration for standing up for female athletes,” he said. “This fight isn’t over, but today is a big step in the right direction.”
School officials are also supporting the DOE’s investigation. Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified School Board, called for stronger consequences for organizations that fail to comply with Title IX protections.
“Girls are being sidelined, their safety is at risk, and their athletic opportunities are being stripped away,” Shaw stated. “The CIF—and any group violating Title IX—must face consequences, including losing funding.”
Concerns About College Scholarships and Athlete Safety
Athletes like Amber French, a swimmer at California Baptist University, warn that CIF’s policies could impact college recruitment for female competitors.
“If male athletes compete in female divisions, it reduces opportunities for biological girls to be seen by college scouts,” French said. “This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about the future of women’s sports.”
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CIF Responds to Investigation
A CIF representative confirmed that the organization is aware of the DOE’s inquiry.
“While we have been notified of the investigation, we do not comment on pending cases,” a spokesperson said.
More Investigations on the Horizon
California isn’t the only state under federal scrutiny. The DOE is also investigating the Minnesota State High School League, along with San Jose State University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, for allowing transgender athletes to compete in female sports.
This series of investigations marks a significant shift in federal policy enforcement regarding transgender participation in athletics. The outcome could have nationwide implications for how schools and organizations navigate gender identity and sports eligibility moving forward.
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