California makes 2nd rule change to girls’ field championship amid trans outrage

California’s high school sports league, the CIF, has once again made a significant rule change to its upcoming girls’ track and field state championship in response to the controversy surrounding a transgender athlete. This change comes after increasing pressure from both within the state and from the Trump administration. The controversy revolves around trans athlete AB Hernandez from Jurupa Valley High School, who has been dominating female competition in events like the long jump and triple jump.

The latest rule change announced by CIF expands the pool of competitors and even medal recipients for the long jump, high jump, and triple jump events at Saturday’s state championship meet. The new rule states that if necessary, a biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark will be advanced to the finals. Additionally, a biological female athlete who would have earned a specific placement on the podium will be awarded the medal for that place.

This change follows a previous decision by CIF to allow any biological female student-athlete who did not qualify for the state meet due to a transgender athlete taking their spot to participate in the championship. However, some families, like that of La Canada track star Katie McGuinness, believe that these changes are still unfair and unjust to the female competitors.

The controversy has garnered national attention, with President Trump even threatening to cut federal funding to California over the situation. The Department of Justice has announced an investigation into the CIF and California Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding the state’s law allowing biologically male trans athletes to compete in girls’ sports.

Competitors like Reese Hogan and Julia Teven have spoken out against the CIF and the state for allowing the situation to escalate. Hogan, who finished second to Hernandez in the triple jump, stood on the first-place podium spot for a symbolic photo op, while Teven, who tied for first in the high jump, believes that the athlete is being enabled by the CIF.

The controversy surrounding AB Hernandez and the CIF’s response continues to spark debate and raise questions about fairness and inclusion in high school sports. The upcoming state championship will be closely watched as the debate over transgender athletes in sports continues to evolve.