Trump admin to investigate California schools after district declares it will still allow males on female sports teams

The Department of Education under President Donald Trump announced it has launched investigations into multiple high school athletic associations that said they would defy federal discrimination laws.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced yet another round of Title IX-related investigations, citing possible infractions for "allowing male athletes to compete in women’s sports and use women’s intimate facilities."

The California Interscholastic Federation, which is now under investigation, recently told Fox News that it plans on continuing its compliance with state rules, not federal, and will allow athletes to compete in whichever gender category they wish.

"The CIF provides students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete in education-based experiences in compliance with California law [Education Code section 221.5. (f)] which permits students to participate in school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, consistent with the student's gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the student's records," the district said in a statement.

'Students in Minnesota are allowed to participate consistent with their gender identity.'

At the same time, the Minnesota State High School League, which is also now under investigation, said the eligibility of transgender athletes is determined by state law and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Fox 9 reported that in a letter to schools, the district declared, "Participation and eligibility of transgender student-athletes ... similar to other youth sports organizations, is subject to state anti-discrimination laws, which prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. Therefore, students in Minnesota are allowed to participate consistent with their gender identity."

Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said the districts "must abide by federal law."

He added, "I would remind these organizations that history does not look kindly on entities and states that actively opposed the enforcement of federal civil rights laws that protect women and girls from discrimination and harassment."

Trump's executive order, titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, stated the federal government would "rescind all funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities."

The Department of Education has since opened other investigations into high school districts and even investigations into college athletic programs at San Jose State University and the University of Pennsylvania. Both universities have allegedly forced their female athletes to compete with and share locker rooms with male athletes.

The government agency said there were "suspected Title IX" violations in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association as well, which included male field hockey and basketball players competing with, and injuring, young girls.

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