California Track Meet Erupts in Controversy Over Trans Athlete Inclusion, Uniform Policy

A California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) postseason track meet became a flashpoint this week amid heated debate over the inclusion of a biologically male transgender athlete in girls’ events. The CIF Southern Section Division 3 Prelims, held at Yorba Linda High School on Saturday, witnessed protests, allegations of suppressed free speech, and intensified scrutiny of the CIF’s gender eligibility policies.

The controversy centered on a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School who competed in the girls’ high jump, long jump, and triple jump. The athlete’s participation sparked a wave of opposition, with competitors and attendees donning "Protect Girls Sports" shirts, brandishing picket signs, and voicing their concerns at a press conference.

According to Fox News Digital, the situation escalated when officials allegedly instructed athletes to remove the "Protect Girls Sports" shirts, effectively stifling their ability to express dissent against the CIF’s gender eligibility policy. The CIF acknowledged the incidents, stating that the athletes were wearing their school uniforms underneath the shirts.

In a statement, the CIF cited its Southern Section Playoff Bulletin, which mandates that athletes be dressed in proper, school-issued track uniforms while in the on-field event area. The CIF maintained that the athletes were asked to comply with this rule because they were wearing the protest shirts over their school uniforms.

However, witnesses claim that officials did not apply the same standard to athletes wearing other non-school-uniform shirts without the "Protect Girls Sports" message. This alleged discrepancy fueled accusations of selective enforcement and bias against those expressing opposition to the CIF’s policies.

The transgender athlete’s performance further intensified the controversy. The athlete secured a top-nine finish in the girls’ high jump and long jump, and clinched first place in the triple jump. This success qualified the athlete for the state semifinals, while the three female athletes who finished in 11th place in those events were denied the opportunity to advance.

Adding to the challenges, the meet was subjected to an hours-long intermission due to extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This weather delay compounded the frustrations and discomfort experienced by the athletes.

Several female competitors spoke out against the alleged suppression of their right to express their views. They claimed that officials approached them and demanded the immediate removal of their shirts, without allowing them to do so elsewhere.

Lily Ingallinera, a 15-year-old student from Brea Olinda High School, recounted her experience, stating that officials insisted on the shirts being removed "right now" and remained present until the athletes complied. Julia Teven, a 17-year-old student from the same school, echoed Ingallinera’s account, stating that an official gave similar orders and conveyed the impression that non-compliance would not be tolerated.

Ingallinera expressed discomfort with the situation, suggesting that it would have been more appropriate for coaches or female officials to relay the message. Teven and Reese Hogan, a 16-year-old student from Crean Lutheran, alleged that officials implied that failure to remove the shirts could result in disqualification from the event.

Hogan further claimed that she was forced to remove her shirt on the field during warm-ups and again at the gate after briefly leaving the venue. She alleged that officials insisted on the shirt being removed immediately, despite her hands being full of other supplies.

Teven, Hogan, and Olivia Viola, also from Crean Lutheran, stated that officials justified the shirt removal policy by citing the requirement for official school uniforms. However, they pointed out that other athletes wearing non-uniform gear, such as college apparel, were not subjected to the same scrutiny.

Viola expressed her belief that the shirt removal policy was unfairly targeted at their message, emphasizing that the shirts were not offensive or derogatory but simply advocated for the protection of women’s sports.

The students also noted a heightened police presence at the meet, which they attributed to the charged atmosphere surrounding the debate over transgender athletes in girls’ sports.

The Jurupa Valley transgender athlete’s participation has been a source of controversy throughout the season, with the athlete breaking long-held girls’ records at various meets.

In addition to the protests and press conference, spectators at the meet displayed divided opinions, with some cheering and others jeering the transgender athlete. Footage on social media captured instances of spectators chanting "that’s a boy!" at the athlete, while Viola noted that some fans only cheered for the transgender athlete while remaining silent for the female competitors.

Despite their opposition to the athlete’s participation in girls’ events, the students expressed sympathy for the athlete and condemned the insults hurled at them by other spectators.

Viola emphasized that the bullying and yelling at the athlete were unacceptable and placed the responsibility for preventing such behavior on those in authority.

Teven and Ingallinera stated that they had spoken to the athlete during breaks and believed that the athlete was not to blame for the situation. They argued that the CIF’s decision to allow the athlete to compete in girls’ events was the root cause of the controversy.

Ingallinera described the athlete as "very nice" and respectful, adding that the CIF was placing the athlete in an unfair position.

The CIF is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for potentially violating Title IX by allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports.

California was among the first states to openly defy President Donald Trump’s "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" executive order.

The CIF maintains that its policies comply with California law, which permits students to participate in school programs and activities, including athletic teams, consistent with their gender identity, regardless of the gender listed on their records.

California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the issue of fairness in sports during a podcast episode, acknowledging the inherent unfairness while also expressing concern for the mental health and well-being of transgender individuals. He admitted that finding a balanced solution that respects both fairness and inclusivity remains a challenge.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Newsom’s office for comment on the latest controversy but has not received a response.