California Residents Rally Against CIF’s Noncompliance with Trump’s Trans Athlete Executive Order

California Residents Rally Against CIF’s Noncompliance with Trump’s Trans Athlete Executive Order

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is facing backlash after declining to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order that prohibits trans athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. This refusal has sparked significant outrage among community members throughout the state.

Protests Erupt in Long Beach

On Friday, a large group of residents gathered outside a CIF federated board meeting in Long Beach, California. The protesters voiced their concerns, urging CIF officials to adhere to the president’s mandate.

During the meeting, demonstrators expressed their discontent, presenting the CIF officials with pleas to follow federal law. They warned that continued defiance could result in civil lawsuits against the CIF and the state.

Legal Threats Loom Over CIF

Among the protesters, Julianne Fleischer, a legal counsel at Advocates for Faith & Freedom, emphasized the potential legal ramifications. “There will be more lawsuits to follow if the CIF does not comply with federal law,” Fleischer stated. “I want CIF to know that it is important you follow federal law or you will be held accountable for failing to enforce federal law throughout the school districts.”

Currently, there is one lawsuit pending against the CIF and California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, concerning a trans athlete’s participation on a girls’ cross-country team at Martin Luther King High School.

Federal Funding at Stake

Trump’s executive order clearly states that schools receiving federal funding are at risk of losing those funds if they allow biological males to compete in girls’ or women’s categories. According to reports, California public schools receive approximately $16.8 billion annually from federal sources, making up roughly 13.9% of their total funding—significantly higher than the national average.

As a result, many protesters voiced their fears regarding the potential loss of funding, which could have severe implications for the educational system.

A Mother’s Plea

Sonja Shaw, President of the Chino Valley Unified School Board and a mother of students, shared her emotional perspective at the protest. “Whoever is in CIF at the top level putting out those woke weird toolkit on telling boys about how to compete against girls, if you’re a part of that, you’re disgusting,” Shaw remarked, highlighting her disappointment with CIF’s current stance.

California Legislation Supporting Trans Athletes

California’s AB 1266 law, enacted in 2014, allows students to participate in school programs and activities, including sports, in accordance with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on their records. The CIF Bylaw 300.D mirrors this mandate, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity.

Despite these regulations, the involvement of trans athletes in women’s sports has ignited substantial controversy across the state in recent months.

Calls for a Trans Athlete Category

Ryan Starling, a father who has participated in the protests, recounted his daughter’s plight after losing her varsity position to a trans athlete. He expressed concerns that this situation undermines the rights of biological girls. “We’re asking you guys today to be bold and be brave and stand up for our girls,” he urged CIF officials.

Starling proposed creating a separate category for trans athletes to preserve fairness in women’s sports. “How about you make an open category? Start protecting our girls immediately so that everybody can still compete, but that everybody has their place,” he suggested.

Wider Controversies in California Sports

Recent events have further illustrated the tensions surrounding trans athletes in California. For example, Stone Ridge Christian High School’s girls’ volleyball team forfeited its match against San Francisco Waldorf due to the presence of a trans player, highlighting ongoing divisions.

Furthermore, an Oct. 12 match between Half Moon Bay High School and Notre Dame Belmont turned contentious as a trans volleyball player faced booing and harassment from spectators.

Proposed Legislative Changes

In light of these disputes, California State Assembly member Kate Sanchez announced her intention to introduce the Protect Girls’ Sports Act, which would ban trans athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. This bill aligns with similar laws already enacted in 25 other states across the nation.

Final Thoughts on a Divisive Issue

The debate surrounding trans athletes in California continues to evoke strong opinions. With legal actions and potential legislative changes on the horizon, this issue is poised to remain a pivotal topic in the realm of sports and education policy in the state.