(KMPH) — The California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) have made it clear that they will not comply with the Department of Education's demand regarding biological males and transgender athletes in girls' sports.

Both organizations made it known on Monday, and the reaction from Washington and groups on both sides of this issue was quick in coming.

"This money was already appropriated by Congress, "Kathie Moehlig, Founder and Executive Director of Trans Family Support Services, declared, "and the president doesn't get to decide whether it gets paid or not."

"It's a really embarrassing hill for the state of California to die on and lose that money simply because they want to allow males to be in girls' locker rooms and girls' sports teams," observed Sophia Lorey, Outreach Director for California Family Council

That conversation now taking place, no doubt, across much of California, Monday triggered by this, the California Department of Education's response to the Department of Education's June 25 letter asking it and the CIF to sign a resolution agreement to abide by Title IX.

The answer?

"It (the California Department of Education) will not sign the proposed education agreement", an answer with which the CIF concurred.

Both answers brought a terse post from Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

"California has just rejected our resolution agreement to follow federal law and keep men out of women's sports. Turns out Gov. Newsom's acknowledgment that 'it's an issue of fairness' was empty political grandstanding. @cagovernor, you'll be hearing from @AGPamBondi."

So now, with battle lines drawn and billions of dollars at stake, what happens next?

"Well, I think the Attorney General is well poised and ready for a fight to go down," asserted Moehlig confidently. "California believes in equal rights and we're going to fight for the rights of the people in our state."

Also poised for this fight, Sophia Lorey and the California Family Council, with a new ad campaign.

The ad, featuring the voices of several female athletes, is now running on social media even as the arguments from both sides continue to resonate in the public square.

"CIF has had a policy. It has worked well. It has not been problematic until adults decided to make it problematic," averred Moehlig.

Meanwhile, the new California Family Council ad ends with Lorey resolutely declaring, "CIF, girls are watching, parents are watching, and the nation is watching. It's time to save girl's sports."