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State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond responded last week by saying in his own letter to schools that Dhillon’s warning carried no legal weight and that school districts were still obligated to follow state law, which requires transgender athletes be allowed to compete on teams based on their gender identity.

“The DOJ assertions are not in themselves law, and the letter by itself cannot be an enforcement mechanism,” Thurmond wrote.

“Look, I got someone right behind me running for governor, so I’m going to be very careful here,” Newsom said to laughter, as California Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond — who announced his 2026 gubernatorial bid back in September 2023 — smiled behind him.

Baulch-Enloe, who teaches middle school English and history, said she originally thought she’d support Thurmond because he understands education.

Thurmond told the crowd during the party’s general session on Friday afternoon that education is “the centerpiece of our democracy.”