Education Secretary McMahon Rejects California’s Shared-Podium Policy in Girls’ Sports, Says Title IX Requires Sex-Based Categories

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the Department of Education will continue to enforce sex-based categories in school sports under Title IX and rejected California’s reintroduced policy that awards additional podium spots to girls displaced by biological male athletes.

McMahon spoke with OutKick on Monday during the department’s recognition of June as Title IX Month. She said the administration views the 1972 law as protection for female athletes and not as a requirement that girls compete against biological males.

“I think the president has made it crystal clear as to what he expects Title IX to be,” McMahon said. ” McMahon also criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom’s position. Newsom stated in March 2025 that it was deeply unfair for males to compete in women’s sports, yet California maintains a policy allowing athletes to compete based on gender identity.

“I think he needs to stick to one plan or the other,” McMahon said. ” The issue gained renewed attention after AB Hernandez, a biological male who identifies as a girl, competed in the girls’ division at the California state track and field championships over the weekend.

Hernandez finished first in the girls’ high jump and triple jump, placed third in the long jump, and received first-place medals in the two events won.

The California Interscholastic Federation reintroduced a pilot policy allowing additional girls to receive podium spots or medals in events where they were displaced by a biological male athlete. McMahon said she does not view the shared-podium arrangement as an acceptable compromise.

“I still believe that men should compete in men's sports and women should compete in women's sports, and they don't have to share a podium,” McMahon said.

“It is the winner of the event who earns the prize. ” The federal government has already taken enforcement steps. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights found in June 2025 that the California Department of Education and the CIF violated Title IX.

The Justice Department sued California in July 2025. McMahon cited the University of Pennsylvania settlement as a model. The university agreed to apologize to female swimmers affected by Lia Thomas’ participation on the women’s team and to restore records and titles to those athletes.

Riley Gaines, who competed against Thomas in college swimming, drew national attention to the case. McMahon said the department is reviewing other institutions nationwide. “Any one of them who are breaking these rules, that's where we would like to see it,” she said.