Case: State of California v. U.S. Department of Justice

3:25-cv-04863 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Filed Date: June 9, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case involved the Trump Administration's attempt to invalidate California laws which mandated that every student be allowed "to participate in activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity." California alleged that on June 2, 2025, the Administration sent letters to all California local education agencies requiring them to certify that they would not implement Bylaw 300.D, which the Administration claimed would violate the Equal Protection Clause. In asserting a pote…

This case involved the Trump Administration's attempt to invalidate California laws which mandated that every student be allowed "to participate in activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity." California alleged that on June 2, 2025, the Administration sent letters to all California local education agencies requiring them to certify that they would not implement Bylaw 300.D, which the Administration claimed would violate the Equal Protection Clause. In asserting a potential violation of the Equal Protection Clause, the Administration relied on its own redefinition of the Clause to mean "biological sex" under President Trump's Executive Order 14168. California alleged that these letters exceeded the Administration's authority and violated the Spending Clause and the Administrative Procedure Act. On June 9, 2025, the state therefore filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, naming the United States of America, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney General, and the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights as defendants. California sought declaratory and injunctive relief, vacatur of the Administration's letters, and attorneys' fees. The case was assigned to Judge Charles Breyer.

On August 22, 2025, defendants motioned to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction and failure to state a claim for relief under FRCP 12(b)(6). On October 2, the court stayed proceedings due to the government shutdown.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Matt Petrillo (7/10/2025)

Related Cases

Massachusetts Fair Housing Center v. Department of Housing and Urban Development, District of Massachusetts (2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70495597/parties/state-of-california-v-united-states-department-of-justice/


Judge(s)

Breyer, Charles R. (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Benner, Jonathan R. (California)

Faer, Laura Lynne (California)

Herrera, Elia (California)

Kautz, Ezra (California)

Attorney for Defendant

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
4

3:25-cv-04863

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Complaint
28

3:25-cv-04863

Plaintiff's Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss

Sept. 26, 2025

Sept. 26, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
31

3:25-cv-04863

Order Granting Defendants’ Unopposed Administrative Motion For Stay Of Briefing Schedule Due To Lack Of Appropriations

State of California v. U.S. Department of Justice et al.

Oct. 6, 2025

Oct. 6, 2025

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70495597/state-of-california-v-united-states-department-of-justice/

Last updated Oct. 29, 2025, 8:51 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

*** POSTED IN ERROR *** please see 4 COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-20768220.). Injunction against the US government/official or APA vacatur requested. Filed by State of California. (Nugent, Edward) (Filed on 6/9/2025) Modified on 6/10/2025 (cv, COURT STAFF). (Entered: 06/09/2025)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

RECAP
2

Case assigned to Judge Charles R. Breyer. Counsel for plaintiff or the removing party is responsible for serving the Complaint or Notice of Removal, Summons and the assigned judge's standing orders and all other new case documents upon the opposing parties. For information, visit E-Filing A New Civil Case at http://cand.uscourts.gov/ecf/caseopening.Standing orders can be downloaded from the court's web page at www.cand.uscourts.gov/judges. Upon receipt, the summons will be issued and returned electronically. A scheduling order will be sent by Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) within two business days. (smc, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/9/2025) (Entered: 06/09/2025)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

~Util - Case Assigned by Intake

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

3

Initial Case Management Scheduling Order with ADR Deadlines: Notice: The assigned judge participates in the Cameras in the Courtroom Pilot Project. See General Order 65 and cand.uscourts.gov/cameras. Case Management Statement due by 9/12/2025. Initial Case Management Conference set for 9/19/2025 08:30 AM in San Francisco, - Videoconference Only. (cv, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/10/2025) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

RECAP
4

COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, CORRECTION OF DOCKET # 1, against All Defendants. Injunction against the US government/official or APA vacatur requested. Filed by State of California. (Nugent, Edward) (Filed on 6/10/2025) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Clearinghouse
5

Proposed Summons. (Nugent, Edward) (Filed on 6/10/2025) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

PACER
6

Summons Issued as to Pamela Bondi, Harmeet Dhillon, United State of America, United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (cv, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/10/2025) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

PACER
7

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Laura Lynne Faer on behalf of State of California (Faer, Laura) (Filed on 6/10/2025) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

8

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Anthony Pinggera on behalf of State of California (Pinggera, Anthony) (Filed on 6/11/2025) (Entered: 06/11/2025)

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

9

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Ezra Kautz on behalf of State of California (Kautz, Ezra) (Filed on 6/11/2025) (Entered: 06/11/2025)

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

10

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Jonathan R. Benner on behalf of State of California (Benner, Jonathan) (Filed on 6/23/2025) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

11

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by State of California (for Service of Process) (Nugent, Edward) (Filed on 8/1/2025) (Entered: 08/01/2025)

Aug. 1, 2025

Aug. 1, 2025

PACER
12

STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER (1) Extending Deadline for Defendants to Answer/Respond to Complaint, (2) Setting Briefing Schedule for Defendants Contemplated Motion to Dismiss; and (3) Granting Parties Leave to File Oversize Briefs Re. Motion to Dismiss; (PROPOSED ORDER Included Per L.R. 7-12); filed by United States Department of Justice, Pamela Bondi, Harmeet Dhillon, United State of America. (Keenan, Robert) (Filed on 8/15/2025) (Entered: 08/15/2025)

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

RECAP
13

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Elia Herrera on behalf of State of California (Herrera, Elia) (Filed on 8/18/2025) (Entered: 08/18/2025)

Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

14

STIPULATION AND ORDER (1) EXTENDING DEFENDANTS TIME TO ANSWER/RESPOND TO COMPLAINT, (2) SETTING SCHEDULE FOR MOTION TO DISMISS, AND (3) GRANTING PARTIES LEAVE TO FILE OVERSIZE BRIEFS by Judge Charles R. Breyer: Granting 12 Stipulation. Replies due by 9/26/2025. Responses due by 9/15/2025. (ls, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 8/19/2025) (Entered: 08/19/2025)

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

RECAP
15

CLERK'S NOTICE VACATING CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE set for September 19, 2025 before the Honorable Charles R. Breyer. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (ls, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 8/19/2025) (Entered: 08/19/2025)

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

Clerk's Notice

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

16

MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction and Failure to State a Claim for Relief under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1), (b)(6); filed by United States Department of Justice, Pamela Bondi, Harmeet Dhillon, United State of America. Motion Hearing set for 10/10/2025 10:00 AM in San Francisco, Courtroom 06, 17th Floor before Judge Charles R. Breyer. Responses due by 9/15/2025. Replies due by 9/26/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Keenan, Robert) (Filed on 8/22/2025) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

PACER
17

NOTICE of Withdrawal filed by Laura L. Faer, no longer appearing on behalf of State of California in this case (Faer, Laura) (Filed on 8/25/2025) (Entered: 08/25/2025)

Aug. 25, 2025

Aug. 25, 2025

18

NOTICE of Change in Counsel: Attorney Laura L. Faer no longer representing State of California in this case and attorney Joel Marrero appearing on behalf of State of California (Marrero, Joel) (Filed on 8/25/2025) (Entered: 08/25/2025)

Aug. 25, 2025

Aug. 25, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

Aug. 25, 2025

Aug. 25, 2025

19

NOTICE of Change in Counsel: Attorney Anthony Pinggera no longer representing State of California in this case and attorney Michael Newman appearing on behalf of State of California (Newman, Michael) (Filed on 8/26/2025) (Entered: 08/26/2025)

Aug. 26, 2025

Aug. 26, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

Aug. 26, 2025

Aug. 26, 2025

20

NOTICE of Withdrawal filed by Anthony Pinggera, no longer appearing on behalf of State of California in this case (Pinggera, Anthony) (Filed on 8/27/2025) (Entered: 08/27/2025)

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

21

ORDER RE-SETTING BRIEFING AND HEARING SCHEDULE. Signed by Judge Charles R. Breyer on 8/28/2025. (crblc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 8/28/2025) (Entered: 08/28/2025)

Aug. 28, 2025

Aug. 28, 2025

RECAP

Set Deadlines/Hearings AND ~Util - Teleconference Zoom

Aug. 28, 2025

Aug. 28, 2025

Set Deadlines/Hearings: Opposition due by 9/26/2025. Replies due by 10/24/2025. Motion Hearing set for 12/5/2025 at 10:00 AM in San Francisco - Videoconference Only before Judge Charles R. Breyer. This proceeding will be held via a Zoom webinar.Webinar Access: All counsel, members of the public, and media may access the webinar information at https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/crb Court Appearances: Advanced notice is required of counsel or parties who wish to be identified by the court as making an appearance or will be participating in the argument at the hearing. A list of names and emails must be sent to the CRD at crbcrd@cand.uscourts.gov no later than December 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM PST.Civ LR 77-3(d). Persons granted access to court proceedings held by telephone or videoconference are reminded that photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings, including screenshots or other visual copying of a hearing, is absolutely prohibited.Zoom Guidance and Setup: https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/zoom/. Responses due by 9/26/2025. Replies due by 10/24/2025. Motion Hearing set for 12/5/2025 10:00 AM in San Francisco, - Videoconference Only before Judge Charles R. Breyer. (ls, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 8/28/2025)

Aug. 28, 2025

Aug. 28, 2025

22

ADMINISTRATIVE MOTION CONTINUE Case Management Deadlines and STAY Discovery Pendign Resolution of Motion to Dismiss re 3 Initial Case Management Scheduling Order with ADR Deadlines,, filed by United States Department of Justice, Pamela Bondi, Harmeet Dhillon, United State of America. Responses due by 9/5/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Keenan, Robert) (Filed on 8/29/2025) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

Aug. 29, 2025

Aug. 29, 2025

PACER
23

ADR Certification (ADR L.R. 3-5 b) of discussion of ADR options by Plaintiff (Kautz, Ezra) (Filed on 8/29/2025) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

Aug. 29, 2025

Aug. 29, 2025

PACER
24

OPPOSITION/RESPONSE (re 22 ADMINISTRATIVE MOTION CONTINUE Case Management Deadlines and STAY Discovery Pendign Resolution of Motion to Dismiss re 3 Initial Case Management Scheduling Order with ADR Deadlines,, ) filed byState of California. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Ezra Kautz, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Proposed Order)(Kautz, Ezra) (Filed on 9/2/2025) (Entered: 09/02/2025)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

PACER
25

ORDER by Judge Charles R. Breyer denying 22 Administrative Motion for Continuance of Case Management Dates and Stay [of] Discovery. (crblc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/5/2025) (Entered: 09/05/2025)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

PACER
26

STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER re 3 Initial Case Management Scheduling Order with ADR Deadlines,, To Extend Deadlines for Initial Disclosures, Joint Case Management Statement, and ADR Certifications filed by State of California. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Kautz, Ezra) (Filed on 9/9/2025) (Entered: 09/09/2025)

1 Declaration

View on RECAP

Sept. 9, 2025

Sept. 9, 2025

RECAP
27

ORDER by Judge Charles R. Breyer granting 26 Stipulation and Order Extending Deadlines. (crblc1, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/11/2025) (Entered: 09/11/2025)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

RECAP
28

OPPOSITION/RESPONSE (re 16 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction and Failure to State a Claim for Relief under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1), (b)(6); ) filed byState of California. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Kautz, Ezra) (Filed on 9/26/2025) (Entered: 09/26/2025)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Sept. 26, 2025

Sept. 26, 2025

Clearinghouse
29

Request for Judicial Notice re 28 Opposition/Response to Motion, filed byState of California. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Social media post, # 2 Exhibit B - Social media post, # 3 Exhibit C - USA v. CIF/CDE complaint)(Related document(s) 28 ) (Kautz, Ezra) (Filed on 9/26/2025) (Entered: 09/26/2025)

1 Exhibit A - Social media post

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit B - Social media post

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit C - USA v. CIF/CDE complaint

View on RECAP

Sept. 26, 2025

Sept. 26, 2025

RECAP
30

Administrative Motion per Civil Local Rule 7-11

Oct. 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

PACER
31

Order on Administrative Motion per Civil Local Rule 7-11

Oct. 6, 2025

Oct. 6, 2025

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Education

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 9, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The State of California.

Plaintiff Type(s):

State Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

U.S. Department of Justice (- United States (national) -), Federal

United States of America (- United States (national) -), Federal

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Spending/Appropriations Clauses

Other Dockets:

Northern District of California 3:25-cv-04863

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

School/University Facilities

School/University policies

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+

Transgender: Sports