SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California High School Sports Management Board is altering competition regulations for this weekend’s state athletics championships, allowing increased participation for girls amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the involvement of transgender student-athletes.
The Inter-Calif. Federation of Governances announced on Tuesday that it is widening access for more “biological women” athletes in championship events. This decision follows comments made by President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform about the participation of trans athletes in the competition.
“With this pilot entry process, biological female student-athletes who met one qualifying standard for automatic entry at the CIF State Championships, but didn’t achieve the CIF State’s large mark in the finals at the section tournament, will have enhanced opportunities to compete in the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships.” CIF believes this pilot entry process will create broader opportunities for participation, providing student-athletes ample room to compete.”
This action comes amid a nationwide debate on transgender youth rights, as various states impose restrictions on transgender girls’ eligibility for women’s sports teams. Several states have enacted laws banning gender-affirming surgeries for minors and require parental notification if a student changes pronouns at school. At least 24 states have laws discouraging transgender women and girls from competing in certain sports. Some of these regulations face legal challenges.
A recent AP-NORC public survey indicates that around 70% of U.S. adults believe transgender female athletes should be barred from participating in women’s sports at the high school, collegiate, or professional levels. This sentiment is shared by approximately 90% of Republicans and nearly half of Democrats.
The federation did not clarify whether the new rules apply to all events or specifically to those finals involving trans athletes. This change is limited to competitions occurring this weekend, and the organization did not disclose how many students might be affected by this alteration.
This rule change could represent an initial attempt by high school sports governing bodies nationwide to broaden competition in the context of trans athlete participation.
Trump threatens to withdraw federal funds
Trump stated on Tuesday that he would withdraw federal funding from California unless the state prohibited transgender students from competing in women’s sports. His post referenced Ab Hernandez, a trans athlete scheduled to compete in the women’s national team events for the triple jump, high jump, and long jump. According to CIF results, she triumphed in the Division 3 Girls Long Jump and Girls Triple Jump, and placed in the High Jump on May 19.
“This is unjust; it is utterly disgraceful for women and girls,” Trump said, commenting on societal norms.
Trump also criticized the Democratic governor of Maine after she expressed her intentions to challenge the president’s efforts to prevent trans girls from competing in women’s sports in court.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration commenced an investigation into California law, which states that if a student alters their gender identity at school, districts cannot inform parents or staff.
Newsom praises the change
Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom stated on his podcast that allowing transgender girls to participate in women’s sports is “deeply unfair.” Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk raised the issue, mentioning Hernandez when speaking to Newsom.
Trump mentioned he would reach out to Newsom on Tuesday. The governor’s office did not confirm this discussion but indicated that the regulation changes by the Inter-Calif. Governance Federation were a “thoughtful approach.”
“The proposed CIF pilot represents a rational and respectful method to navigate complex issues without sacrificing competitive fairness. It is a model worth considering,” said Newsom’s spokesperson, Izzy Gerdon.
Sofia Lawley, supported by the conservative California Family Council, protested Hernandez’s inclusion in women’s sports, claiming the rule changes were merely “damage control.”
“The girl who was unjustly eliminated suddenly returns to compete this weekend,” Lawley stated. “This is a positive step, but let’s face reality. This should never have occurred. Boys do not belong in women’s sports.”
Democratic state legislators blocked a bill last month that aimed to ban transgender girls from participating in women’s sports.
Equality California, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, urged CIF to endorse “comprehensive, evidence-based policies.”
“Our community is monitoring the situation and expects CIF to uphold its standards, comply with California law, protect athletes, and assert that everyone deserves to be safe, authentic, and competitive,” the organization stated in a joint statement with various other groups.
Athletes and district responses
Parents and conservative advocates opposing transgender girls in women’s sports have criticized Hernandez for her participation and raised concerns during the postseason.
After losing to Hernandez in the sectional finals for long jump, student Katy McGuinness appealed to CIF to modify their policies. In an interview with Fox News, she expressed her views.
“I have no personal issue with this athlete or the trans community,” McGuinness clarified. “My message today is directed explicitly at CIF; action must be taken urgently and in a timely manner, as this issue is incredibly urgent.”
Hernandez spoke to Capital & Main earlier this month, emphasizing her focus on what she can control in response to adult criticism: “I can’t change how people behave.”
“I’m still a child; your adult behavior reflects on you,” she remarked.
Hernandez’s mother declined to comment on the regulatory changes on Tuesday in an email.
The Jurupa Unified School District, where Hernandez attends high school in Southern California, stated that it remains compliant with state law, allowing trans student-athletes to compete on teams aligned with their gender identity.
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Contributors to this report include AP journalists Janie Har in San Francisco and Darlene Superville in Washington.
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Austin is a regional member of the Associated Press/Report’s American State University News Initiative. American Report is a non-profit national service program that positions journalists in local newsrooms to cover vital issues. Follow Austin on X: @sophiedanna
Source: apnews.com