In a significant development following a 16-year-old transgender athlete's victory at the California state track-and-field championship, the Trump administration has announced intentions to pursue legal action and impose “large scale” fines against California’s policy permitting transgender athletes to compete in high school sports. This announcement came after the athlete, AB Hernandez, secured first place in two events, igniting a national debate on the inclusion of transgender individuals in competitive athletics.
On Monday, Harmeet K. Dhillon, head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division, sent a letter to California’s public school districts. In this correspondence, Dhillon stated that the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is violating the Constitution's equal protection clause with its bylaw, which asserts that all students “should have the opportunity to participate in CIF activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on a student’s records.” The letter demands that school districts provide written certification by June 9, confirming they will not comply with this bylaw, raising significant concerns about the future of transgender sports participation in the state.
In a social media post on Tuesday, President Donald Trump reiterated his administration's position, warning that California could face “large scale fines” for its policies. Trump has previously cautioned California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) against allowing Hernandez to compete, referencing his executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. Despite Trump's pressure, Governor Newsom did not block Hernandez from competing in the championships, leading to the CIF's introduction of a new policy that allowed for an additional competitor in events where Hernandez qualified.
The CIF defended its new policy, stating that it aims to enhance participation opportunities for student-athletes. Under this pilot entry process, athletes who finished after Hernandez also received medals. In an impressive display of sportsmanship, Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle shared the first-place podium spot with Hernandez in the high jump, with all three clearing a height of 5 feet 7 inches. Notably, while Wetteland and Laruelle each had a failed attempt, Hernandez achieved her mark without any failed attempts.
Hernandez, a junior at Jurupa Valley High School in Southern California, also achieved first place in the triple jump alongside Kira Gant Hatcher and secured second place in the long jump, where she received support from fellow competitor Brooke White. White expressed her emotions regarding the situation, stating, “It made me really emotional seeing how people could be so hateful to a 16-year-old girl,” emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in the face of adversity.
The participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports has become a focal point for Dhillon and her civil rights team since she took office in April. Last week, the Justice Department announced it would initiate a Title IX investigation in California and filed a statement of interest in support of a federal lawsuit concerning state law A.B. 1266. This law permits students to engage in sex-segregated school programs and activities in alignment with their gender identity, challenging the legality of restricting transgender participation in athletics.
Previously, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued letters to California, Maine, and Minnesota, warning that they would face legal consequences if they did not comply with federal laws and Trump’s executive order regarding transgender athletes. In April, the Justice Department sued Maine’s Education Department, while Minnesota took preemptive action by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that the executive order is unconstitutional. This series of legal maneuvers underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding transgender rights in sports and education.
