The spotlight is firmly on California this weekend as the state navigates the complex and heated issue of transgender participation in high school sports.
With President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice weighing in and stirring controversy, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom and local sports officials are trying to find a way to keep the competition fair — and inclusive.
Expanding the Field to Include More Girls Amid Controversy
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), which oversees high school sports in the state, has decided to temporarily expand the number of competitors in certain events at the upcoming state track-and-field championships.
This move follows criticism over the participation of 16-year-old transgender athlete AB Hernandez, who qualified to compete in the high jump, triple jump, and long jump events.
To address concerns, the CIF will now allow extra athletes to compete alongside Hernandez in these events.
This means that if Hernandez earns a medal, an additional “biological female” athlete will also be awarded a medal — effectively widening the podium to avoid pushing anyone off the standings.
No Biological Verification Planned Amid Ongoing Debate
Interestingly, the CIF has not introduced any measures to verify whether athletes meet the definition of “biological female.”
This decision comes as debates rage nationwide over gender identity in sports, with organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association emphasizing that gender is a spectrum, not just a male-female binary.
Political Pressure and Presidential Criticism
President Trump has sharply criticized California’s policies, accusing Governor Newsom’s administration of allowing “men to play in women’s sports.”
Trump’s social media posts referred to Hernandez in disparaging terms and warned that he might withhold federal funding if transgender athletes are allowed to compete in girls’ and women’s sports.
Trump also ordered local authorities to prevent Hernandez from competing at the State Finals if necessary, although it remains unclear whether any agency will enforce this directive.
CIF’s Temporary Pilot Program Aims to Balance Fairness and Inclusion
In response, the CIF introduced a “pilot entry process” to grant additional qualifying spots to “biological female” athletes who might otherwise miss out on competing at the state championships.
This is designed to ensure broader participation while Hernandez competes.
According to CIF, this adjustment is only for this year’s meet and aims to provide fair opportunities for all student-athletes without making permanent rule changes.
Public Opinion and the National Conversation
This California case reflects a broader national conversation.
A recent Associated Press poll found that about 70% of American adults support banning transgender female athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports at all levels — high school, college, and professional.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration, meanwhile, is standing firm on inclusivity, even amid mounting political and social pressure, signaling that this issue will continue to spark debate across the country.