The school board in Kern County, California, decided on Tuesday to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, directly opposing state regulations.
This resolution aligns with federal Title IX definitions, amidst ongoing legal disputes regarding the involvement of men in women’s athletics, particularly under former President Donald Trump’s directives. This marks a significant decision, as at least one school board is siding with Trump against state authorities who have been steadfast in supporting transgender inclusion in sports since 2014.
The controversy gained attention during the recent high school sports season when AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete from Julpa Valley High School, claimed a state title, stirring further debates.
In May, several prominent Christian high schools in California challenged established policies allowing biological males to compete with female athletes, prompting backlash from community members and female competitors.
Three schools—JSERRA Catholic, Orange Lutheran, and Clean Lutheran—jointly criticized the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for its stance on gender identity policy, asserting it fosters an unwelcoming atmosphere for faith-based schools.
Now, the Kern County Board of Education positions itself as a notable opponent to both Trump and state officials on this issue. Maine is facing a similar situation, where a local school board also passed a resolution against transgender participation in women’s sports.
The U.S. Justice Department, under Trump, is currently pursuing legal action against both California and Maine, demanding an end to policies that permit men in women’s sports and allowing girls access to locker rooms. The lawsuit claims California’s regulations encourage unequal treatment by forcing girls to share spaces with boys, which, it argues, creates a hostile educational environment.
California Governor Gavin Newsom defended state policies, referencing a law established in 2013 and expressing his own struggles with fairness in sports. While he recognizes the concerns, he disapproves of how right-wing rhetoric frames the situation, suggesting it adds disrespect toward the transgender community.
Newsom garnered mixed responses from his party when he mentioned that he found it “deeply unfair” for men to compete in women’s sports but didn’t take a definite stance on implementing a ban.
A recent bipartisan study revealed that a majority of Californians, especially over 70% of school parents, oppose allowing biological male transgender athletes in women’s competitions. In fact, polls show that around 65% of adults and 64% of voters support the idea that athletes should compete in alignment with the gender they were assigned at birth.
