Trump Admin Targets California Universities Over Title IX Disputes
Education Department California funding cuts: Trump admin eyes slashing aid to California universities over Title IX issues.
In a Bloomberg interview Tuesday, McMahon emphasized the administration’s concerns over “men participating in women’s sports,” saying this violates federal protections for women under Title IX. The scrutiny follows recent controversy over transgender athlete participation in California high school sports.
Federal Grant Cuts on the Table for UC, CSU
According to CNN and Politico, the Department of Education may terminate formula-based grants for the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.
“California has blatantly refused to comply with Title IX regulations,” said McMahon. “That’s a risk they run.”
These systems, vital to state employment and medical research, face funding threats just as California escalates its legal fight with the Department of Justice over state laws protecting transgender student-athletes.
A Transgender Athlete’s Case Sparks a National Conversation
At the heart of the problem is A.B. Hernandez, a transgender high school student who competed in the California state track and field championships. Her participation provoked protests and led Trump to threaten funding cuts last month, even though it was legal in California.
McMahon Praises Harvard and Columbia Progress
While threatening action in the West, McMahon struck a more optimistic tone with elite Eastern universities, noting “progress” at Harvard and productive negotiations with Columbia.
Harvard has faced lawsuits and criticism over antisemitism, but McMahon noted the school had already made staffing changes and policy adjustments. She also praised Columbia for its willingness to engage in “open, honest discussions”.
“College ought to be about the exchange of ideas,” McMahon said, emphasizing the need for peaceful protest and compliance with federal law.
Consent Decree Discussions Ongoing
As part of their negotiations with Colombia, the Education Department is exploring a consent decree—a legal mechanism for ongoing monitoring of compliance. McMahon said the administration is open to restoring federal funding if schools align with federal law.
“If universities are abiding by U.S. laws… they could expect to have taxpayer-funded programs,” she added.
California in Crosshairs Amid Broader Cultural Fight
The administration’s latest moves reflect a growing ideological battle in education. Title IX, transgender rights, and campus antisemitism are at the center of the conflict.
The feud with California is part of a long-standing tension between Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom recently called transgender participation in women’s sports an “issue of fairness.”
Source: CNN
