Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Girls’ Track Competitions

Jennifer Sey, founder and CEO of XX-XY Athletics, has voiced her concerns regarding a transgender high school athlete winning state track titles in California. Sey emphasizes that allowing biological boys to compete in girls’ sports challenges fair competition norms. She calls for legislation at national and state levels to reinforce the intent of Title IX.

A recent legal development has further stirred the debate. A federal judge dismissed a major Department of Justice lawsuit against California, clearing the path for biological males to continue competing in girls’ sports. U.S. District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela rejected the case, focusing instead on administrative funding rules and whether the federal government adequately informed California about potential withdrawal of $44 billion in education funds.

The Justice Department expressed disappointment in the court’s decision and indicates they are reviewing an appeal. Their stance aligns with the agenda of preventing boys from participating in girls’ sports. This judiciary ruling coincides with the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold state authority to ban trans athletes from girls and women’s sports. However, no mandate requires states to enforce such bans, leaving existing Californian policies intact.

California’s inclusion policy, initiated in 2013 under Gov. Gavin Newsom, permits biological males identifying as females to compete in girls’ sports teams. This policy has been lately spotlighted by AB Hernandez, a trans athlete from Jurupa Valley High School, who performed notably in girls’ track and field events. Across the 2025 and 2026 CIF championships, Hernandez won multiple titles and raised concerns about competitive balance.

The consequences of trans inclusion extend beyond track. When Hernandez competed on the girls’ varsity volleyball team, the issue broadened to include player safety. Some rival schools opted to forfeit matches, prioritizing their players’ safety due to high-intensity play.

Public sentiment on this issue remains divided. Progressives suggest that the small number of trans athletes does not warrant concern. Critics counter that even one biological male can distort championship results and impact female athletes’ opportunities.

Experts acknowledge that the judicial decisions may influence future interpretations of Title IX and its implications for women’s sports. A definitive resolution remains uncertain as political and social debates continue around gender mandates impacting young female athletes.