The US Department of Education is investigating the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for its non-compliance with the executive order banning transgender athletes from girls' sports. This move has garnered praise from organizations like the California Family Council (CFC), who believe the CIF has prioritized ideology over fairness and safety in women's athletics. 

CFC Outreach Director and former CIF athlete Sophia Lorey expressed her support for the investigation, highlighting the negative impact of current policies on female athletes' opportunities. Lorey's involvement stems from a controversy at Martin Luther King High School, where a transgender athlete's inclusion on the girls' cross-country team sparked a national debate. This incident led students Taylor Starling and Kaitlyn Slavin to create and wear "Save Girls Sports" T-shirts, which subsequently resulted in a lawsuit against the school district for alleged reprimands.

Ryan Starling, Taylor's father, expressed gratitude for the investigation, viewing it as a step towards resolving the ongoing debate. School administrators like Chino Unified School Board President Sonja Shaw echoed this sentiment, calling for repercussions for institutions that permit transgender athletes in girls' sports. Shaw emphasized the detrimental effects on girls' safety and opportunities, advocating for consequences, including funding withdrawal, for those who violate Title IX.

College athlete Amber French voiced concerns about the impact on college recruitment and athlete safety, emphasizing the importance of separate competition categories. The CIF acknowledged notification of the investigation but declined to comment. The Department of Education is also investigating Minnesota's high school athletics association for similar non-compliance. Additional investigations are underway at San Jose State University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association for related incidents involving transgender athletes in women's sports.