The California Department of Education has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to protect trans athletes.
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is the body that governs high school sports. It allows trans athletes to participate in sports teams that align with their gender identity. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) says this violates the 14th Amendment.
On Monday, the DOJ told California schools to stop allowing trans athletes to play sports. It threatens legal action if schools don't comply by June 9th.
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond says California state law protects gender diverse students from discrimination and has for over a decade. He says schools don't need to comply with the order.
