Below is an email template, please copy and paste and adapt freely or write your own email to the California Department of Education. For background, you can read this article.

Send to:Superintendent@cde.ca.gov * GAD@cde.ca.gov‍ ‍* OEOinfo@cde.ca.gov

Re: Stop CIF’s Discriminatory Policy for Trans Athletes NOW

Dear California Department of Education,

As California’s highest education office, you have an unequivocal obligation to compel the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to immediately comply with California Education Code. This duty is neither optional nor discretionary — it is a fundamental requirement of your office.

CIF has resurrected its illegal Pilot Policy, written days before last years’ Track and Field Championship, and is using it to discriminate against transgender student athletes. The policy explicitly treats cisgender students differently from transgender students. 

On March 17th, 2025, you wrote to Ron Nocetti, Executive Director of CIF, and told him CIF should continue to comply with California Education Code Section 221.5(f), which states that “a pupil shall be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs . . . including athletic teams and competitions . . . consistent with his or her gender identity” adding “Going forward, we appreciate your continuing efforts to protect transgender student-athletes from discrimination and harassment.” 

Less than three months later, CIF denied a presumed transgender girl the placement she earned in competition, and instead awarded her a tie with the presumed cisgender girl who placed behind her.  

You stayed silent.

Now, CIF appears to think they are above the law, and free to discriminate against a Protected Class of students, knowing the CA Department of Education will do nothing. 

Please ACT NOW. It is your job, your legal responsibility, and your moral obligation to stop CIF’s illegal discrimination. 

Ed Code 33354. (a) gives the CDE the authority to state that any policy affecting interscholastic sports does not follow California Law. If CIF or a school district does not bring their policy into compliance, CDE has the authority to take legal action. CIF’s Pilot policy is in clear violation of of AB 1955 (Education Codes 220.3 & 220.5), Education Code 220, and Education Code 33354(c). 

Gender identity is a Protected Class in California, along with race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, and many others. Gender identity is no less legally protected than any of these classes. If CIF can discriminate against transgender students with no consequences, California’s protections are meaningless and ALL of our children are vulnerable to discrimination.

CDE has authority to force CIF and LEAs hosting track and field meets to comply with state law and ed code. 

Do so now, before other girls, cis and transgender, are caught up in this net of ugliness. California should do better. Our laws demand this of us.

Thank you for attention to this matter,

[name]