Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit challenging California policy allowing biological males in girls’ sports

A federal judge has dismissed a major Department of Justice lawsuit against California, paving the way for biological males to keep competing in girls' sports.

U.S.

District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela shut down the case Monday, with the decision made public and drawing an immediate DOJ response on Tuesday.

Trump’s Justice Department originally stepped in to defend fair play, suing to enforce Title IX as a shield for female athletes rather than a loophole for male competitors.

SUPREME COURT MAKES RULING ON TRANS ATHLETES IN WOMEN'S SPORTS The court avoided the underlying debate over biological fairness entirely.

Instead, Judge Valenzuela grounded her decision in administrative funding rules, finding that the federal government failed to give California explicit prior notice before threatening to pull $44 billion in education funds.

Justice Department officials confirmed they are already reviewing an appeal.

"We are disappointed by the Court’s order and remain committed to enforcing President Trump’s agenda of preventing boys from playing in girls’ sports," a Justice Department spokesperson stated following the decision.

The ruling also comes shortly after the Supreme Court upheld states’ authority to ban trans athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.

But the justices did not require states to adopt such restrictions, leaving California’s policy in place while the DOJ considers an appeal.

WATCH: NATIONWIDE TRANSGENDER SPORTS LAW IS NEXT STEP AFTER SUPREME COURT WIN, GOP SENATOR SAYS Progressives downplay the issue by noting that fewer than 10 transgender athletes compete among the state's millions of students.

But critics argue the issue cannot be measured by headcount alone.

One biological male can change a state championship result, take a varsity spot from a female athlete or affect college recruiting and name, image and likeness opportunities.

TRANS TRACK STAR SWEEPS THREE EVENTS, SHARES FIRST-PLACE PODIUM AND QUALIFIES FOR CA STATE MEET YET AGAIN Title IX was enacted in 1972 to guarantee equal opportunities for female athletes.